Meaning
To support or defend a particular argument or theory.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the 'Tese de Doutorado' is a massive event. Families often attend the public defense, and it is treated with the solemnity of a graduation ceremony. Portugal has some of the oldest universities in the world (like Coimbra). The language used in 'sustentação' is often extremely traditional and formal, using archaic honorifics. In both countries, 'sustentação oral' is a specific legal procedure where lawyers speak directly to judges in higher courts to defend their 'tese'. There is a distinction between 'dissertação' (Master's) and 'tese' (PhD). You 'sustenta' both, but 'tese' carries more weight.
Use in Essays
In the Brazilian 'ENEM' or 'Vestibular' essays, using 'sustentar a tese' instead of 'mostrar minha ideia' will immediately boost your vocabulary score.
Don't Overuse
If you use this in a casual chat, you'll sound like you're trying too hard. Stick to 'eu acho' with friends.
Meaning
To support or defend a particular argument or theory.
Use in Essays
In the Brazilian 'ENEM' or 'Vestibular' essays, using 'sustentar a tese' instead of 'mostrar minha ideia' will immediately boost your vocabulary score.
Don't Overuse
If you use this in a casual chat, you'll sound like you're trying too hard. Stick to 'eu acho' with friends.
The 'Banca'
Remember that 'sustentar uma tese' usually implies a 'banca' (a committee) is watching and judging you.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'sustentar'.
Ontem, o pesquisador _______ sua tese com muito sucesso.
The word 'Ontem' (Yesterday) requires the Pretérito Perfeito (sustentou).
Qual é a preposição correta para seguir a frase?
Ela sustenta a tese ___ que a arte é essencial para a saúde mental.
The standard collocation is 'tese de que'.
Em qual situação o uso de 'sustentar uma tese' é MAIS apropriado?
Escolha a melhor opção:
This is a formal academic phrase perfectly suited for a PhD (doutorado) defense.
Complete o diálogo formal.
Juiz: 'Como o senhor pretende provar isso?' Advogado: 'Eu pretendo _______ a tese de que o contrato foi falsificado.'
'Sustentar' is the professional legal term for defending a theory in court.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOntem, o pesquisador _______ sua tese com muito sucesso.
The word 'Ontem' (Yesterday) requires the Pretérito Perfeito (sustentou).
Ela sustenta a tese ___ que a arte é essencial para a saúde mental.
The standard collocation is 'tese de que'.
Escolha a melhor opção:
This is a formal academic phrase perfectly suited for a PhD (doutorado) defense.
Juiz: 'Como o senhor pretende provar isso?' Advogado: 'Eu pretendo _______ a tese de que o contrato foi falsificado.'
'Sustentar' is the professional legal term for defending a theory in court.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, while it's the standard term for PhDs, it's also used by lawyers, journalists, and anyone making a formal, evidence-based argument.
Yes, but it sounds very formal. It implies you have strong reasons for that opinion.
'Sustentar' focuses on the logical support (the pillars), while 'defender' focuses on protecting the idea from attacks.
Yes, it is equally common and formal in both countries.
You could say 'defender uma ideia' or 'provar o que eu digo'.
In this phrase, 'tese' can mean a single proposition or a main argument, not necessarily a 300-page book.
It's a 'weak thesis'—an argument that doesn't have enough evidence to be 'sustained'.
Yes, if you are explaining a complex strategy or a decision you made based on data.
It is pronounced like a 'z' (/z/): 'TE-ze'.
'Refutar uma tese' (to refute) or 'abandonar uma tese' (to give up on an argument).
Related Phrases
Defender um ponto de vista
similarTo defend a point of view.
Fundamentar um argumento
builds onTo provide the foundation for an argument.
Derrubar uma tese
contrastTo knock down/disprove a thesis.
Sustentação oral
specialized formOral argument in court.
