Meaning
To find similarities between two different things.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian political discourse, 'traçar um paralelo' is often used to compare the current economic state with the 'Milagre Econômico' of the 70s or the hyperinflation of the 80s. Portuguese intellectuals often use this phrase when discussing the 'Saudosismo' movement, tracing parallels between the lost glory of the empire and modern Portuguese identity. In Angolan literature, the phrase is sometimes used to compare the pre-colonial social structures with modern governance. The phrase is a 'marker' of the academic class. Using it correctly in a 'vestibular' (university entrance exam) essay in Brazil can help boost the 'formal register' score.
Boost your Writing Score
In the Brazilian 'Redação do ENEM', using 'traçar um paralelo histórico' to start your second paragraph is a classic way to show high-level vocabulary.
Don't over-use it
If you use it more than once in a short text, it becomes repetitive. Switch to 'estabelecer uma analogia' or 'sob uma ótica comparativa'.
Meaning
To find similarities between two different things.
Boost your Writing Score
In the Brazilian 'Redação do ENEM', using 'traçar um paralelo histórico' to start your second paragraph is a classic way to show high-level vocabulary.
Don't over-use it
If you use it more than once in a short text, it becomes repetitive. Switch to 'estabelecer uma analogia' or 'sob uma ótica comparativa'.
The 'Culta' Label
Using this phrase correctly labels you as a 'pessoa culta' (educated person). It's a great 'social chameleon' phrase for business.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'traçar'.
Ontem, o historiador ________ um paralelo entre as duas guerras.
The subject is 'o historiador' (3rd person singular) and the action happened 'ontem' (Pretérito Perfeito).
Escolha a preposição correta para completar a frase.
Não é fácil traçar um paralelo ________ a vida real e a ficção.
When comparing two distinct things (A and B), 'entre' is the standard preposition.
Complete o diálogo com a opção mais natural.
A: 'O novo sistema é muito diferente do antigo?' B: 'Não muito. Na verdade, podemos ________.'
This is the complete, natural collocation in a neutral/formal register.
Em qual destas situações é MAIS apropriado usar 'traçar um paralelo'?
Situações:
The phrase is high-register and analytical, perfect for academic writing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Comparar vs. Traçar um Paralelo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOntem, o historiador ________ um paralelo entre as duas guerras.
The subject is 'o historiador' (3rd person singular) and the action happened 'ontem' (Pretérito Perfeito).
Não é fácil traçar um paralelo ________ a vida real e a ficção.
When comparing two distinct things (A and B), 'entre' is the standard preposition.
A: 'O novo sistema é muito diferente do antigo?' B: 'Não muito. Na verdade, podemos ________.'
This is the complete, natural collocation in a neutral/formal register.
Situações:
The phrase is high-register and analytical, perfect for academic writing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's usually for their actions or careers, not their physical appearance. For appearance, use 'parecer-se com'.
Both are correct. 'Entre' is used for two things (A and B), while 'com' is used to compare a new thing to something already mentioned.
Yes, it is equally common and formal in both Portugal and Brazil.
Yes, it's common in spoken Portuguese, but 'traçar' is preferred in writing.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you could say 'contrastar' (to contrast) or 'enfatizar as diferenças' (emphasize the differences).
Yes, you can 'traçar paralelos' (plural) if you are making multiple comparisons.
No, it's actually perfect for a job interview as it shows analytical thinking.
In the present it is 'eu traço'. In the past (pretérito perfeito) it is 'eu tracei' (note the 'c' instead of 'ç').
Only if you are discussing something serious. For daily plans, it's too much.
Yes, but 'traçar um paralelo' is a stronger, more common collocation.
Related Phrases
Estabelecer uma analogia
synonymTo create an analogy.
Pôr em pratos limpos
contrastTo clarify a situation.
Traçar um perfil
builds onTo outline a profile/character.
Caminhos paralelos
similarParallel paths.
