Meaning
To provide evidence or arguments in favor of a proposition.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the 'sustentação oral' is a highly televised and prestigious part of the Supreme Court (STF) sessions. Citizens often watch lawyers 'sustentarem teses' on TV Justiça. In Portugal, academic traditions are very formal. The 'defesa de tese' is a solemn event where the candidate must 'sustentar' their work against rigorous questioning from 'arguintes' (examiners). Globally, 'tese' refers to the PhD level, but in Brazil, 'TCC' (Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso) is used for undergrad, though one still 'sustenta' their arguments there. The term 'tese jurídica' is a standard way to describe a new interpretation of the law that a lawyer wants the court to adopt.
Use in Essays
In the 'Redação do ENEM' or other Portuguese exams, using 'sustentar a tese' instead of 'mostrar minha ideia' will instantly boost your vocabulary score.
Don't Overuse
If you use this phrase 5 times in one speech, you will sound like a robot. Mix it with 'defender' or 'argumentar'.
Meaning
To provide evidence or arguments in favor of a proposition.
Use in Essays
In the 'Redação do ENEM' or other Portuguese exams, using 'sustentar a tese' instead of 'mostrar minha ideia' will instantly boost your vocabulary score.
Don't Overuse
If you use this phrase 5 times in one speech, you will sound like a robot. Mix it with 'defender' or 'argumentar'.
The 'Doutor' Factor
In Brazil, lawyers and doctors are often called 'Doutor' even without a PhD. They love this phrase because it reinforces their professional authority.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo sustentar.
O advogado ______ a tese de legítima defesa durante o julgamento ontem.
The context 'ontem' (yesterday) requires the Pretérito Perfeito.
Qual frase utiliza a expressão de forma mais natural em um contexto formal?
Escolha a opção correta:
'Sustentar uma tese' is for complex, evidence-based arguments, not simple observations or plans.
Combine os sinônimos ou termos relacionados.
Relacione as colunas:
All pairs are correctly matched in their conceptual relationship.
Complete o diálogo acadêmico.
Professor: 'Como você pretende ______ sua tese?' Aluno: 'Pretendo usar os dados da última pesquisa de campo.'
In an academic context, 'sustentar' is the professional term for proving a thesis.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO advogado ______ a tese de legítima defesa durante o julgamento ontem.
The context 'ontem' (yesterday) requires the Pretérito Perfeito.
Escolha a opção correta:
'Sustentar uma tese' is for complex, evidence-based arguments, not simple observations or plans.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched in their conceptual relationship.
Professor: 'Como você pretende ______ sua tese?' Aluno: 'Pretendo usar os dados da última pesquisa de campo.'
In an academic context, 'sustentar' is the professional term for proving a thesis.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsOnly if you are joking. It's very formal. For a small argument, use 'defender meu ponto'.
No, it can be any structured argument, especially in law or politics.
'Sustentar' emphasizes the support and logic; 'defender' emphasizes protecting the idea from critics.
Both are correct. 'A tese' refers to a specific one already mentioned; 'uma tese' is more general.
You would say 'provar o que eu tô falando' or 'explicar meu lado'.
Related Phrases
Defender uma ideia
similarTo defend an idea.
Embasar um argumento
builds onTo provide a foundation for an argument.
Corroborar uma hipótese
specialized formTo corroborate a hypothesis.
Derrubar uma tese
contrastTo topple/disprove a thesis.
