In 15 Seconds
- Means an idea is supported by solid data or scientific studies.
- Used to add authority and credibility in professional or academic settings.
- Derived from 'base', implying a strong foundation for your arguments.
Meaning
This phrase means that an idea, argument, or project is not just a guess. It is firmly supported by data, studies, or scientific evidence.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a corporate meeting
Nosso novo plano de marketing está totalmente embasado em pesquisa de mercado.
Our new marketing plan is fully grounded in market research.
Texting a friend about a health tip
Vi que dormir cedo ajuda muito, e isso está embasado em pesquisa!
I saw that sleeping early helps a lot, and that is based on research!
Defending a university thesis
O meu argumento final está embasado em pesquisa qualitativa.
My final argument is grounded in qualitative research.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the 'Plataforma Lattes' is a mandatory national curriculum system for researchers. Being 'embasado em pesquisa' often implies your work is 'Lattes-worthy'. Portuguese academic culture is very traditional. Using 'embasado' or 'alicerçado' shows respect for the hierarchy of knowledge and formal education. In formal Angolan media and government speech, this phrase is used to signal modernization and a move toward data-driven governance. In the 'Faria Lima' (São Paulo's financial district) culture, 'embasado' is often paired with English terms like 'data-driven'.
Sound like an expert
Use 'embasado' instead of 'baseado' in your LinkedIn profile or resume to sound 20% more professional.
Watch the 'S'
Don't confuse 'embasado' (backed) with 'embaçado' (blurry). One 's' makes a 'z' sound; 'ç' makes an 's' sound.
In 15 Seconds
- Means an idea is supported by solid data or scientific studies.
- Used to add authority and credibility in professional or academic settings.
- Derived from 'base', implying a strong foundation for your arguments.
What It Means
Think of a house. A house needs a solid foundation to stand. In Portuguese, embasado comes from the word base (foundation). When you say something is embasado em pesquisa, you are saying your words have a concrete floor. You aren't just talking for the sake of talking. You have proof. It is the ultimate 'I am not making this up' card. It shows you did your homework.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to add weight to your statements. It is common in professional and academic settings. You can use it as an adjective for a plan, a theory, or even a personal opinion. Just place it after the thing you are describing. For example, 'My strategy is embasada em pesquisa.' Note that embasado changes to embasada if the object is feminine, like estratégia.
When To Use It
Use it during a business meeting to impress your boss. It works great in university papers or when defending a thesis. You can also use it in serious discussions with friends. If you are debating health or politics, this phrase ends the 'fake news' accusations. It tells people your source is reliable. It is perfect for when you want to sound authoritative and prepared.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for trivial, everyday choices. If your friend asks why you chose pepperoni pizza, don't say it is embasado em pesquisa. You will sound like a robot or a bit too arrogant. Avoid it in very casual, high-energy parties. It is a 'thinking' phrase, not a 'dancing' phrase. Also, don't use it if you actually haven't read any research. People might ask for your sources!
Cultural Background
In Brazil, academic titles and formal knowledge carry a lot of social weight. People often respect 'the specialist' or 'the study.' Saying something is embasado taps into this respect for formal education. It is a way to bridge the gap between a simple conversation and a professional debate. It has become more popular lately as people try to fight misinformation online.
Common Variations
You might hear com base em pesquisa, which is slightly more common and neutral. Another variation is fundamentado em pesquisa, which sounds even more formal and heavy. If you want to be quicker, you can just say baseado em dados (based on data). All of these aim for the same goal: proving you are right using facts.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level (B2+) expression. It is most effective in professional or academic writing and speech. Be careful to match the gender of 'embasado/a' to the subject.
Sound like an expert
Use 'embasado' instead of 'baseado' in your LinkedIn profile or resume to sound 20% more professional.
Watch the 'S'
Don't confuse 'embasado' (backed) with 'embaçado' (blurry). One 's' makes a 'z' sound; 'ç' makes an 's' sound.
Examples
6Nosso novo plano de marketing está totalmente embasado em pesquisa de mercado.
Our new marketing plan is fully grounded in market research.
This makes the speaker sound prepared and professional.
Vi que dormir cedo ajuda muito, e isso está embasado em pesquisa!
I saw that sleeping early helps a lot, and that is based on research!
Using a formal term in a casual text for emphasis.
O meu argumento final está embasado em pesquisa qualitativa.
My final argument is grounded in qualitative research.
Standard academic usage to show rigor.
Minha necessidade de café está embasada em pesquisa científica... feita por mim!
My need for coffee is grounded in scientific research... done by me!
Using a formal phrase for a silly personal claim.
Minha escolha de mudar de carreira foi embasada em muita pesquisa e reflexão.
My choice to change careers was based on a lot of research and reflection.
Shows the decision was serious and not impulsive.
O relatório apresentado hoje está devidamente embasado em pesquisa de campo.
The report presented today is properly grounded in field research.
Conveys journalistic integrity and factual basis.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta de 'embasado' (atenção ao gênero).
As novas diretrizes da empresa estão ________ em pesquisa de satisfação.
'Diretrizes' is feminine plural, so the adjective must be 'embasadas'.
Qual preposição deve ser usada com 'embasado'?
O argumento foi embasado ____ pesquisa.
The fixed expression is 'embasado em'.
Em qual situação o uso de 'embasado em pesquisa' é MAIS apropriado?
Escolha a melhor opção:
This is a formal academic context where rigor is expected.
Complete o diálogo de forma profissional.
Chefe: 'Por que devemos mudar o logo?' Funcionário: 'Porque essa mudança está ________.'
'Mudança' is feminine singular, and 'embasada em pesquisa' is the professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAs novas diretrizes da empresa estão ________ em pesquisa de satisfação.
'Diretrizes' is feminine plural, so the adjective must be 'embasadas'.
O argumento foi embasado ____ pesquisa.
The fixed expression is 'embasado em'.
Escolha a melhor opção:
This is a formal academic context where rigor is expected.
Chefe: 'Por que devemos mudar o logo?' Funcionário: 'Porque essa mudança está ________.'
'Mudança' is feminine singular, and 'embasada em pesquisa' is the professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'embasado' suggests a deeper, more structural foundation, making it preferred in academic and professional settings.
Not usually. You wouldn't say a person is 'embasado', but you can say their *knowledge* is 'embasado'.
No, you can be 'embasado em dados', 'embasado em evidências', or 'embasado em fatos'.
Yes, though 'alicerçado' or 'fundamentado' are also very popular in Portugal for the same meaning.
The most common opposite is 'infundado' (unfounded) or 'sem embasamento'.
It's rare. 'Embasado em' is the standard. 'Por' would imply the research itself is the builder, which is a bit strange.
Just add an 's': embasados (masc) or embasadas (fem).
Extremely common. You will see it in almost every serious news report about science, health, or economics.
Only if you are being funny. 'Meu amor por você é embasado em pesquisa' is a nerd joke.
It's a common academic term for the 'Theoretical Framework' section of a thesis.
Related Phrases
Com base em
similarBased on
Fundamentado em
synonymGrounded in
Tirar do nada
contrastTo pull out of thin air
Cientificamente comprovado
specialized formScientifically proven
