In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'later' or 'afterwards' in Portuguese.
- Perfect for professional emails, meetings, and academic writing.
- Use it to sequence events clearly and sound more sophisticated.
Meaning
Think of this as a fancy way to say 'later' or 'afterwards.' It describes something that happens at a point in time following the current event.
Key Examples
3 of 7Writing a professional email
Enviarei os documentos posteriormente.
I will send the documents later.
Explaining a project timeline
O projeto será analisado e, posteriormente, aprovado.
The project will be analyzed and, subsequently, approved.
Texting a colleague about a meeting
Podemos discutir isso posteriormente?
Can we discuss this later?
Cultural Background
This word reflects the 'doutor' culture in Portuguese-speaking countries, where academic-sounding language is highly respected. It stems from the Latin 'posterior,' showing the deep linguistic roots of the Romance languages. Using it correctly can actually change how people perceive your level of education in a professional setting.
The 'Mente' Rule
Most Portuguese adverbs ending in '-mente' (like English '-ly') are slightly more formal. Use them to instantly sound more educated.
Don't Overdo It
If you use too many '-mente' words in one sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century poet. Balance is key!
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'later' or 'afterwards' in Portuguese.
- Perfect for professional emails, meetings, and academic writing.
- Use it to sequence events clearly and sound more sophisticated.
What It Means
Posteriormente is the elegant sibling of the common word depois. It literally means 'subsequently' or 'at a later time.' When you use it, you are signaling that event B happens after event A. It sounds polished and organized. It is the kind of word that makes you sound like you have your life together.
How To Use It
You usually place it at the start of a sentence or right after a verb. In a professional email, you might say you will send a file posteriormente. In a conversation, it helps you sequence events clearly. It functions just like an adverb. It is perfect for explaining steps in a process. Think of it as a bridge between two moments in time.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound professional or precise. It is great for business meetings or academic writing. Use it when giving instructions to a group. It works well in news reports or formal announcements. If you are writing a cover letter, this word is your best friend. It shows you have a high-level command of the language. Use it to impress your Portuguese-speaking boss.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it while yelling at a football match. Avoid it during a very casual hangout with close friends. If you tell your best friend you will pay for coffee posteriormente, they might think you are a robot. It is too stiff for a rowdy bar setting. Stick to depois or mais tarde for those moments. Do not use it if you want to sound 'street' or super relaxed. It is definitely not a slang term.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture often values formal education and eloquent speech. Using Latin-derived adverbs like posteriormente is a sign of 'bom tom' (good tone). It reflects a society that appreciates the nuances of formal etiquette. Even in modern Brazil or Portugal, the distinction between formal and informal speech remains quite strong. This word is a pillar of that formal structure. It has been used for centuries in legal and administrative documents.
Common Variations
The most common alternative is posterior. You might also hear mais tarde for a more relaxed vibe. In very formal writing, you might see ulteriormente. For a simpler sequence, em seguida works well too. If you want to be even more specific, try logo após. Each variation changes the 'temperature' of the conversation slightly. Posteriormente remains the gold standard for professional clarity.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register adverb. Use it in writing or formal speech to appear precise and professional. Avoid it in casual, high-energy, or intimate conversations.
The 'Mente' Rule
Most Portuguese adverbs ending in '-mente' (like English '-ly') are slightly more formal. Use them to instantly sound more educated.
Don't Overdo It
If you use too many '-mente' words in one sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century poet. Balance is key!
The 'Depois' Default
In Brazil, people are generally informal. If you use 'posteriormente' at a BBQ, someone might jokingly ask if you've become a lawyer.
Examples
7Enviarei os documentos posteriormente.
I will send the documents later.
Shows professionalism and a clear commitment to a future action.
O projeto será analisado e, posteriormente, aprovado.
The project will be analyzed and, subsequently, approved.
Clearly defines a sequence of events in a business process.
Podemos discutir isso posteriormente?
Can we discuss this later?
Polite way to postpone a topic without being too blunt.
Eu ia malhar, mas decidi deixar para posteriormente... tipo, ano que vem.
I was going to work out, but I decided to leave it for later... like, next year.
Using a formal word for a lazy excuse creates a funny contrast.
Abriremos para perguntas posteriormente.
We will open for questions afterwards.
Standard phrase used by speakers to manage time during a talk.
Qualquer alteração deve ser comunicada posteriormente.
Any changes must be communicated subsequently.
Commonly found in contracts or official terms of service.
Posteriormente, percebi que ele tinha razão.
Later on, I realized he was right.
Used for reflection and showing a change in perspective over time.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete this formal sentence about a meeting.
A ata da reunião será enviada ___.
Since the sentence refers to a future action (will be sent), 'posteriormente' is the only logical choice for 'later'.
Which word makes this sentence sound most professional?
Vamos analisar os dados e ___ tomar uma decisão.
While 'depois' is correct, 'posteriormente' elevates the tone to a professional level.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Later'
Used with friends/family
Depois
Standard everyday use
Mais tarde
Professional/Academic
Posteriormente
Where to use Posteriormente
Business Email
Enviarei o relatório...
Academic Paper
Como será visto...
News Report
O crime foi descoberto...
Job Interview
Posso detalhar isso...
Practice Bank
2 exercisesA ata da reunião será enviada ___.
Since the sentence refers to a future action (will be sent), 'posteriormente' is the only logical choice for 'later'.
Vamos analisar os dados e ___ tomar uma decisão.
While 'depois' is correct, 'posteriormente' elevates the tone to a professional level.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'later' or 'afterwards' in a formal context. It indicates that one event follows another in time.
Yes, the meaning is the same, but the 'vibe' is different. Depois is casual, while posteriormente is formal.
Only if you are texting a client or a boss. For friends, it sounds a bit too stiff and robotic.
It comes from the Latin word 'posterior,' which means 'following' or 'behind.' The suffix '-mente' turns it into an adverb.
It is used equally in both countries within formal writing and professional environments.
Absolutely! For example: Posteriormente, discutiremos o orçamento. (Later, we will discuss the budget.)
Using it in very casual settings where mais tarde would be more natural. It can make you sound detached from the group.
Yes, it is strictly used for chronological order. It doesn't refer to physical position (use atrás for that).
Not really, but posterior is the adjective form. For example, em data posterior (at a later date).
Break it down: pos-te-ri-or-MEN-te. The stress is on the 'MEN' syllable.
Related Phrases
Mais tarde
Later (neutral/common)
Em seguida
Next / Immediately after
Ulteriormente
Subsequently (very formal)
Logo após
Right after
