apurar in 30 Seconds
- Apurar: Investigate, verify, or calculate to find the truth or exact result.
- Use for facts, numbers, outcomes, and details.
- Common in news, business, and everyday conversations.
- Careful checking is implied.
The Portuguese verb 'apurar' is a versatile word that carries the core meaning of investigating, verifying, or calculating something to reach a conclusion. It's used in various contexts, from checking facts and figures to determining the outcome of a situation. Think of it as the action of digging deeper to find out the truth or the precise result. For example, you might 'apurar' the details of an event to understand exactly what happened, or 'apurar' the expenses of a project to know the total cost. It implies a process of examination and confirmation.
- Investigation
- When you need to find out the truth about something, especially if there's uncertainty or doubt. For instance, a journalist might 'apurar' the facts before publishing a story.
- Calculation
- When you need to determine a specific number or amount. This could be financial calculations, like 'apurar' profits, or even less concrete calculations like 'apurar' the level of interest in a proposal.
- Confirmation
- When you want to confirm that something is correct or accurate. This could be verifying a receipt, a score, or even someone's identity.
- Outcome Determination
- In competitive situations, 'apurar' can mean to determine the winner or the final standings. For example, sports teams might 'apurar' their position in the league after a series of games.
Precisamos apurar os custos totais deste projeto antes de apresentarmos o orçamento final.
Understanding the nuances of 'apurar' allows you to express a more precise intention when you need to investigate, verify, or calculate. It’s a common verb in everyday conversations and formal settings alike, making it a valuable addition to your Portuguese vocabulary.
Using 'apurar' correctly involves understanding its direct object and the context. Typically, you 'apurar' something specific, like facts, numbers, results, or details. The conjugation of 'apurar' follows the regular '-ar' verb pattern, which is straightforward for learners. Common tenses like the present indicative ('eu apuro', 'você apura'), preterite perfect ('eu apurei'), and future ('eu apurarei') are frequently used.
- With Nouns related to Information
- You can 'apurar' information, facts, details, truth, news, etc.
- With Nouns related to Numbers and Results
- You can 'apurar' costs, expenses, profits, losses, results, scores, votes, etc.
- In Competitive Contexts
- It can be used to 'apurar' the standings or the winner in a competition.
- With Abstract Nouns
- You might also 'apurar' the extent of something, like the impact of a decision.
O detetive precisa apurar todas as pistas para resolver o caso.
Let's look at some examples in different tenses:
- Present: Eu apuro os resultados da pesquisa. (I am ascertaining the results of the survey.)
- Past: Eles apuraram os danos após o acidente. (They ascertained the damages after the accident.)
- Future: Vamos apurar quem marcou mais pontos. (We will ascertain who scored more points.)
- Imperative: Apure bem os detalhes antes de tomar uma decisão. (Ascertain the details well before making a decision.)
The structure is generally 'Subject + apurar + Object'. For instance, 'A contadora vai apurar o balanço financeiro.' (The accountant will ascertain the financial statement.) This clarity in usage makes 'apurar' a highly practical verb for expressing investigation and verification.
You'll encounter 'apurar' in a wide range of everyday Portuguese conversations and media. It’s a word that signifies a need for clarity and precision, making it relevant in many situations. From news reports to family discussions, its presence is quite common.
- News and Journalism
- Journalists often use 'apurar' when they report on investigations or the verification of facts. Headlines might read: 'Polícia apura denúncia de fraude' (Police ascertain/investigate report of fraud) or 'Apuramos os números da economia' (We ascertain/analyze the economic figures).
- Business and Finance
- In business settings, 'apurar' is used for financial reporting, calculating profits, and verifying accounts. 'O contador precisa apurar os lucros do trimestre.' (The accountant needs to ascertain the quarter's profits.)
- Sports Commentary
- When discussing league standings, competition results, or tie-breakers, you'll hear 'apurar'. For example, 'Os times disputam para apurar a liderança do campeonato.' (The teams compete to ascertain the championship lead.)
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual talk, people use 'apurar' to mean checking something carefully. 'Vou apurar o preço dessa camisa.' (I'm going to ascertain/check the price of this shirt.) or 'Precisamos apurar o que aconteceu naquele dia.' (We need to ascertain/find out what happened that day.)
- Academic and Research
- Researchers and students use 'apurar' to describe the process of verifying data, analyzing findings, and confirming hypotheses.
A emissora vai apurar os votos em tempo real.
The verb's utility extends to administrative tasks, legal proceedings, and even personal decision-making processes where verification is key. Listening to Portuguese news broadcasts or following Brazilian/Portuguese football matches will quickly expose you to its frequent use.
While 'apurar' is a fundamental verb, learners can sometimes misuse it, often by confusing it with similar but distinct verbs or by not fully grasping its specific meaning of thorough verification or calculation.
- Confusing with 'Pesquisar' (to research)
- 'Pesquisar' is about looking for information, while 'apurar' is about verifying or confirming that information once found. You might 'pesquisar' for facts and then 'apurar' their accuracy.
- Confusing with 'Calcular' (to calculate)
- While 'apurar' can involve calculation, it's broader. 'Calcular' is purely about mathematical computation. 'Apurar' can include qualitative aspects of verification. For example, you 'calcula' the sum, but you 'apura' if the sum is correct.
- Using it for simple observation
- 'Apurar' implies a deeper level of checking than simply 'ver' (to see) or 'olhar' (to look at). Don't use it when you just mean to observe something casually.
- Incorrect conjugation
- Like any verb, learners might make conjugation errors, especially in less common tenses or moods. Always double-check the endings for the specific subject and tense.
- Overuse in informal contexts
- While 'apurar' can be used in everyday speech, it can sound a bit too formal or precise for very casual situations where a simpler verb like 'verificar' (to check) or 'saber' (to know) might suffice.
Mistake: Eu quero apurar o tempo hoje. (Incorrect for 'check the weather')
Correct: Eu quero verificar o tempo hoje. (I want to check the weather today.)
Being mindful of the precise meaning of 'apurar' and its distinctions from similar verbs will greatly improve your fluency and accuracy in Portuguese.
While 'apurar' is a rich and nuanced verb, there are other Portuguese words that share some of its meanings, depending on the specific context. Understanding these alternatives can help you choose the most precise word for your intended meaning.
- Verificar (to verify, to check)
- This is a very common synonym and often interchangeable with 'apurar' when the meaning is simply to check or confirm something. 'Verificar' is generally less formal and implies a less in-depth process than 'apurar'.
Example: 'Eu preciso verificar se o pagamento foi feito.' (I need to verify if the payment was made.) vs. 'Eu preciso apurar os detalhes do pagamento.' (I need to ascertain the details of the payment.) - Confirmar (to confirm)
- Similar to 'verificar', 'confirmar' focuses on establishing the truth or correctness of something. It's often used when there's already some prior information that needs to be validated.
Example: 'Por favor, confirme sua presença no evento.' (Please confirm your attendance at the event.) This is less about in-depth investigation and more about final agreement. - Investigar (to investigate)
- 'Investigar' implies a more systematic and often prolonged search for information, especially in cases of crime or complex problems. 'Apurar' can be a part of an investigation, but 'investigar' is the broader process.
Example: 'A polícia vai investigar o roubo.' (The police will investigate the robbery.) While they will 'apurar' clues, the overall action is 'investigar'. - Analisar (to analyze)
- 'Analisar' means to examine something in detail to understand its components or structure. You might 'analisar' data to then 'apurar' trends or conclusions.
Example: 'Precisamos analisar os dados antes de apurar os resultados.' (We need to analyze the data before ascertaining the results.) - Esclarecer (to clarify, to enlighten)
- This verb is used when the goal is to make something clear or understandable, often by providing explanations. You might 'apurar' the facts and then 'esclarecer' them to others.
Example: 'O professor vai esclarecer as dúvidas dos alunos.' (The teacher will clarify the students' doubts.)
'Apurar' emphasizes the process of reaching a final, verified truth or number, often through careful examination.
Mastering these subtle differences will allow you to express yourself with greater precision and sophistication in Portuguese.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The original Greek root 'aporía' also gives us the English word 'aporia', which in philosophy refers to a state of perplexity or uncertainty, often at the end of an argument where no satisfactory conclusion can be reached. This connection highlights the investigative and problem-solving nature inherent in 'apurar'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'r' as a hard English 'r'.
- Incorrect stress placement, e.g., stressing the first syllable.
- Not rolling the 'r' sound sufficiently.
Difficulty Rating
A2 level learners will encounter 'apurar' in simple sentences related to checking facts or numbers. As they progress to B1 and B2, they will see it used in more complex contexts involving investigations and detailed verifications.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Regular -ar verb conjugation
The verb 'apurar' conjugates like other regular '-ar' verbs. For example, in the present tense: eu apuro, tu apuras, ele/ela apura, nós apuramos, vós apurais, eles/elas apuram.
Preterite Perfect Tense
For past actions: eu apurei, tu apuraste, ele/ela apurou, nós apuramos, vós apurastes, eles/elas apuraram. (Example: 'Eu apurei os números ontem.')
Infinitive Form
The base form of the verb: 'apurar'. Used after prepositions or modal verbs. (Example: 'É importante apurar os fatos.')
Passive Voice
Formed with 'ser' + past participle. (Example: 'Os resultados serão apurados pelo comitê.' - The results will be ascertained by the committee.)
Gerund Form
Formed with '-ando'. (Example: 'Ele está apurando os dados.' - He is ascertaining the data.)
Examples by Level
Eu preciso apurar o custo total da viagem.
I need to ascertain/calculate the total cost of the trip.
Present tense, first person singular of 'apurar'.
Vamos apurar quem chegou primeiro.
Let's ascertain who arrived first.
Future tense, first person plural of 'apurar'.
A professora apurou as notas dos alunos.
The teacher ascertained/calculated the students' grades.
Preterite perfect tense, third person singular of 'apurar'.
É importante apurar os fatos antes de acusar.
It is important to ascertain the facts before accusing.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' used after 'é importante'.
O repórter apurou a notícia com cuidado.
The reporter ascertained/verified the news carefully.
Preterite perfect tense, third person singular of 'apurar'.
Você pode apurar o resultado deste jogo?
Can you ascertain/determine the result of this game?
Present tense, second person singular (informal 'você') of 'apurar'.
Eles apuraram o número de participantes.
They ascertained/counted the number of participants.
Preterite perfect tense, third person plural of 'apurar'.
Precisamos apurar o que realmente aconteceu.
We need to ascertain what really happened.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' used after 'precisamos'.
A comissão foi formada para apurar as irregularidades financeiras.
The commission was formed to ascertain the financial irregularities.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'para'.
O juiz pediu para apurar a veracidade das testemunhas.
The judge asked to ascertain the truthfulness of the witnesses.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'para'.
Será necessário apurar o impacto ambiental deste projeto.
It will be necessary to ascertain the environmental impact of this project.
Future tense, infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'será necessário'.
O sistema apura automaticamente os dados de vendas.
The system automatically ascertains/processes the sales data.
Present tense, third person singular of 'apurar'.
Tentamos apurar a causa do mau funcionamento.
We tried to ascertain the cause of the malfunction.
Preterite perfect tense, first person plural of 'apurar'.
O objetivo é apurar o sentimento geral da população.
The objective is to ascertain the general sentiment of the population.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'é'.
A empresa apurou um prejuízo considerável no último ano.
The company ascertained/reported a considerable loss in the last year.
Preterite perfect tense, third person singular of 'apurar'.
É preciso apurar os motivos por trás dessa decisão.
It is necessary to ascertain the reasons behind this decision.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'é preciso'.
O comitê está encarregado de apurar todas as denúncias de corrupção.
The committee is in charge of ascertaining all accusations of corruption.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'de'.
Os resultados eleitorais serão apurados nas próximas horas.
The electoral results will be ascertained/tallied in the next few hours.
Future passive voice with 'serão apurados'.
Tentar apurar a verdade em meio a tanta desinformação é um desafio.
Trying to ascertain the truth amidst so much misinformation is a challenge.
Gerund form 'tentar' followed by the infinitive 'apurar'.
A perícia foi solicitada para apurar a causa exata do acidente.
The forensic examination was requested to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'para'.
O jornalista dedicou meses para apurar os fatos que levaram à crise.
The journalist dedicated months to ascertaining the facts that led to the crisis.
Preterite perfect tense, third person singular of 'apurar'.
A empresa busca apurar a satisfação dos seus clientes através de pesquisas.
The company seeks to ascertain the satisfaction of its clients through surveys.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'busca'.
É fundamental apurar a procedência de todas as informações recebidas.
It is fundamental to ascertain the origin of all received information.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'é fundamental'.
A investigação visa apurar responsabilidades no caso.
The investigation aims to ascertain responsibilities in the case.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'visa'.
O tribunal determinou que seria prudente apurar minuciosamente todos os indícios apresentados.
The court determined that it would be prudent to meticulously ascertain all presented evidence.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'apertar'.
Antes de emitir um parecer, o perito se dedicou a apurar a autenticidade dos documentos.
Before issuing an opinion, the expert dedicated himself to ascertaining the authenticity of the documents.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'a'.
A complexidade do problema exigiu um esforço concentrado para apurar suas causas subjacentes.
The complexity of the problem required a concentrated effort to ascertain its underlying causes.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'para'.
Ele buscou apurar os fatos de forma imparcial, desconsiderando quaisquer pressões externas.
He sought to ascertain the facts impartially, disregarding any external pressures.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'buscou'.
A auditoria tem como objetivo apurar a conformidade dos procedimentos internos com as normas vigentes.
The audit aims to ascertain the conformity of internal procedures with current regulations.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'objetivo'.
O historiador se propôs a apurar as origens de uma lenda antiga.
The historian set out to ascertain the origins of an ancient legend.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'propôs'.
A investigação policial foi meticulosa, visando apurar cada detalhe da cena do crime.
The police investigation was meticulous, aiming to ascertain every detail of the crime scene.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'visando'.
É imperativo apurar a responsabilidade de cada indivíduo envolvido no esquema.
It is imperative to ascertain the responsibility of each individual involved in the scheme.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'imperativo'.
O consórcio se incumbiu de apurar o impacto socioeconômico da nova política habitacional.
The consortium took it upon itself to ascertain the socioeconomic impact of the new housing policy.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'incumbiu'.
A análise forense aprofundada permitiu apurar a sequência exata dos eventos que culminaram no desastre.
The in-depth forensic analysis allowed for the ascertainment of the exact sequence of events that culminated in the disaster.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'permitiu'.
O debate acadêmico girou em torno de como apurar a fiabilidade de fontes históricas em contextos de escassez de evidências.
The academic debate revolved around how to ascertain the reliability of historical sources in contexts of scarce evidence.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'como'.
O objetivo primordial da investigação era apurar a extensão do dano ambiental causado pela atividade industrial.
The primary objective of the investigation was to ascertain the extent of the environmental damage caused by industrial activity.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'era'.
A dificuldade reside em apurar a real intenção por trás de declarações ambíguas.
The difficulty lies in ascertaining the real intention behind ambiguous statements.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'em'.
Os peritos foram chamados para apurar a autoria de uma obra de arte controversa.
The experts were called to ascertain the authorship of a controversial work of art.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'para'.
A transparência exigida pelo público impulsionou o governo a apurar rigorosamente os gastos públicos.
The transparency demanded by the public spurred the government to rigorously ascertain public spending.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'a'.
O estudo busca apurar a correlação entre fatores genéticos e predisposição a certas doenças.
The study seeks to ascertain the correlation between genetic factors and predisposition to certain diseases.
Infinitive form of 'apurar' following 'busca'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Let's find out, let's ascertain. It's an invitation to investigate or verify something together.
Vamos apurar o que aconteceu naquela noite. (Let's find out what happened that night.)
— It is necessary to ascertain/investigate. It highlights the importance of finding out the truth or exact details.
É preciso apurar os fatos antes de tirar conclusões. (It is necessary to ascertain the facts before drawing conclusions.)
— He/She ascertained/investigated. Used to describe a past action of thorough checking.
Ele apurou todos os custos do projeto. (He ascertained all the project costs.)
— To ascertain in order to confirm. Emphasizes the process of verification leading to certainty.
Precisamos apurar para confirmar se a informação é verdadeira. (We need to ascertain to confirm if the information is true.)
— To ascertain the truth. A very direct and common usage.
O detetive está empenhado em apurar a verdade. (The detective is committed to ascertaining the truth.)
— To ascertain/calculate the numbers. Often used in financial or statistical contexts.
O contador apurou os números do balanço. (The accountant ascertained the balance sheet numbers.)
— To ascertain the cause. Used when investigating the origin of a problem or event.
Os engenheiros estão tentando apurar a causa da falha. (The engineers are trying to ascertain the cause of the failure.)
— To ascertain the facts. A fundamental phrase in journalism and investigations.
A prioridade é apurar os fatos de forma imparcial. (The priority is to ascertain the facts impartially.)
— To ascertain/calculate the results. Commonly used in competitions, elections, or experiments.
Acompanharemos a apuração dos resultados das eleições. (We will follow the ascertainment of the election results.)
— To ascertain the situation. To find out the current state of affairs.
Preciso apurar a situação antes de tomar uma decisão. (I need to ascertain the situation before making a decision.)
Often Confused With
'Verificar' is a general term for checking. 'Apurar' implies a more thorough investigation or calculation to discover a precise truth or number. You might 'verificar' if a door is locked, but you 'apurar' the financial statements.
'Pesquisar' means to research or look for information. 'Apurar' is often the step taken after research to confirm or finalize that information.
'Calcular' is strictly mathematical. 'Apurar' can involve calculation but also qualitative verification and discovery.
Idioms & Expressions
— To test one's patience to its limit; to exasperate someone. This idiom uses 'apurar' in a figurative sense of 'testing' or 'pushing'.
A demora dele está a apurar a minha paciência. (His delay is testing my patience.)
Informal— To test someone's character, especially under difficult circumstances. Similar to the previous idiom, it implies a rigorous examination.
As adversidades apuraram o caráter dele. (The adversities tested/refined his character.)
Neutral/Formal— To refine or purify one's spirit or resolve; to become more determined through hardship.
As dificuldades apuraram o espírito do atleta. (The difficulties refined the athlete's spirit.)
Formal— To sharpen one's teeth; to prepare for a fight or a challenge. Figurative, implying readiness and intensity.
O time adversário veio apurar os dentes para o jogo. (The opposing team came ready to fight for the game.)
Informal/Figurative— To lend an attentive ear; to listen carefully. It implies a deliberate effort to hear and understand.
Apurou o ouvido para tentar ouvir a conversa distante. (He lent an attentive ear to try and hear the distant conversation.)
Neutral— To strain one's eyes to see something more clearly, often from a distance or in poor light.
Ele apurou a vista para ler a placa distante. (He strained his eyes to read the distant sign.)
Neutral— To sharpen one's senses; to become more alert and aware.
Em situações de perigo, é preciso apurar os sentidos. (In dangerous situations, it is necessary to sharpen one's senses.)
Formal— To clear one's throat before speaking, often to prepare for a formal speech or to ensure clarity.
Ele apurou a voz antes de começar a apresentação. (He cleared his throat before starting the presentation.)
Neutral— To purify or refine one's heart or intentions; to become morally clearer.
Através da meditação, ele buscava apurar o coração. (Through meditation, he sought to purify his heart.)
Formal/Spiritual— To refine or sharpen one's reasoning skills; to think more clearly and logically.
O estudo de lógica ajuda a apurar o raciocínio. (The study of logic helps to sharpen reasoning.)
FormalEasily Confused
Both verbs relate to checking and confirming information.
'Apurar' suggests a deeper, more conclusive process of investigation or calculation to establish accuracy or a precise outcome. 'Verificar' is more about confirming whether something is true or correct, often with less emphasis on the depth of the process.
Eu preciso verificar se o meu voo está no horário. (I need to check if my flight is on time - simple check). Ele precisa apurar os custos da viagem para saber quanto vai gastar. (He needs to ascertain the trip's costs to know how much he will spend - involves calculation and detailed checking).
Both involve looking into something.
'Investigar' implies a broad, often systematic and prolonged search for information, typically concerning a crime, problem, or complex issue. 'Apurar' is often a specific action within an investigation, focusing on discovering particular facts, figures, or results.
A polícia vai investigar o crime. (The police will investigate the crime - broad scope). O detetive apurou as pistas encontradas na cena do crime. (The detective ascertained the clues found at the crime scene - specific findings).
Both involve examining information.
'Analisar' means to break down something into its parts to understand its structure, components, or meaning. 'Apurar' is about reaching a conclusion, a verified truth, or a final number based on examination and calculation.
É importante analisar os dados antes de apurar os resultados. (It's important to analyze the data before ascertaining the results). Após analisar, o contador apurou o lucro líquido. (After analyzing, the accountant ascertained the net profit).
Both verbs lead to a conclusion.
'Determinar' means to decide or establish something definitively, often as a final judgment or outcome. 'Apurar' is the process of investigation or calculation that often leads to the determination.
Os resultados da apuração determinarão o vencedor. (The results of the tally will determine the winner). O árbitro apurou os lances para determinar a falta. (The referee ascertained the plays to determine the foul).
Both relate to establishing accuracy.
'Confirmar' is about validating something that is already known or suspected, or agreeing to something. 'Apurar' is about discovering or establishing the truth or a precise figure, often from scratch or with uncertainty.
Por favor, confirme sua reserva. (Please confirm your reservation - agreement). O repórter apurou os fatos para confirmar a notícia. (The reporter ascertained the facts to confirm the news - discovery and verification).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + apurar + Object
Eu apuro os custos.
Vamos + apurar + Object
Vamos apurar o resultado.
É preciso + apurar + Object
É preciso apurar os fatos.
Subject + apurar + Object + para + Infinitive
Ele apurou os dados para fazer o relatório.
Apurar + Object + de + Noun
Apurar a procedência das informações.
Subject + verbo auxiliar + apurar + Object
A polícia vai apurar a denúncia.
Passive voice: Object + ser + apurado(s)/apurada(s)
Os votos foram apurados.
Infinitive used after preposition: '...de apurar ...'
O objetivo é apurar a verdade.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common
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Using 'apurar' for simple observation.
→
Using 'ver' or 'olhar'.
'Apurar' implies a deeper process of investigation or calculation. If you just mean to see something, use 'ver'. For example, 'Eu vi o pássaro' (I saw the bird) is correct, not 'Eu apurei o pássaro'.
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Confusing 'apurar' with 'pesquisar' in the wrong context.
→
Using 'pesquisar' for general searching, 'apurar' for verification/calculation.
'Pesquisar' is about looking for information. 'Apurar' is about verifying or calculating once you have some information. You 'pesquisar' for facts, then 'apurar' their accuracy.
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Incorrect conjugation in the past tense.
→
Using the correct preterite form, e.g., 'apurou' for third person singular.
Learners might incorrectly conjugate 'apurar' in the past. For example, saying 'Ele apura' (present) when they mean 'Ele apurou' (he ascertained).
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Using 'apurar' when 'confirmar' is more appropriate.
→
Using 'confirmar' for agreeing to something or validating known information.
'Confirmar' is about validating something already known or making an agreement. 'Apurar' is about discovering or establishing the truth. 'Confirme sua presença' (confirm your attendance) is correct, not 'Apurar sua presença'.
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Overusing 'apurar' in very informal contexts.
→
Using simpler verbs like 'saber' or 'verificar' for casual checks.
While 'apurar' can be used informally, it can sound overly precise or formal in very casual situations. For instance, asking 'Vamos apurar o que tem pra comer?' might sound a bit too formal compared to 'Vamos ver o que tem pra comer?' (Let's see what there is to eat?).
Tips
Verb Conjugation Practice
Practice conjugating 'apurar' in different tenses (present, preterite, future) and persons. This is crucial for speaking and writing accurately.
Synonym Awareness
Be aware of similar verbs like 'verificar' and 'confirmar'. Understand their nuances to select the most precise word for your intended meaning.
Focus on the 'R'
Practice the rolled 'r' sound in 'apurar' and ensure you place the stress correctly on the second syllable ('a-PU-rar') for natural pronunciation.
Visual Cues
Associate 'apurar' with visual images like a detective with a magnifying glass or an accountant with a calculator. This can help solidify the meaning in your memory.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using 'apurar' in various contexts. Try to use it with different objects and in different tenses to reinforce your understanding.
Native Speaker Immersion
Listen to Portuguese podcasts, news, or watch movies. Pay attention to how native speakers use 'apurar' in different situations to pick up on natural phrasing.
Journaling
Use the journal prompts provided to write about situations where you had to 'apurar' something. This active recall method is highly effective for learning.
Cultural Significance
Understand that in Portuguese-speaking cultures, the act of 'apurar' often signifies thoroughness, integrity, and a commitment to truth, especially in formal contexts.
Regular Revision
Revisit the definition, examples, and exercises for 'apurar' regularly. Consistent review is key to mastering any new vocabulary.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are 'a poor rat' ('a-pur-ar') trying to find crumbs in a dark pantry. You have to carefully investigate and calculate every step to find the food. This image of a diligent, careful search can help remember the meaning of 'apurar'.
Visual Association
Picture a detective with a magnifying glass examining tiny clues on a map, or an accountant meticulously going over spreadsheets with a calculator. Both images represent the careful investigation and calculation involved in 'apurar'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'apurar' in at least three different sentences today, each time focusing on a different aspect of its meaning: one for calculating costs, one for verifying facts, and one for determining an outcome.
Word Origin
The word 'apurar' comes from the Latin verb 'aporare', which itself derives from the Greek 'aporía' (ἀπορία), meaning 'difficulty', 'perplexity', or 'lack of means'. This root suggests the idea of facing a problem or complexity that requires investigation to resolve.
Original meaning: In its Latin and Greek roots, the concept was related to being in a difficult situation or facing a problem that needed to be overcome, often through careful thought or action.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > PortugueseCultural Context
While 'apurar' itself is neutral, the context in which it's used can be sensitive. For example, 'apurar' accusations of misconduct requires a careful and impartial approach to avoid bias.
In English, we might use phrases like 'get to the bottom of something', 'verify the facts', 'calculate the total', or 'determine the outcome'. 'Apurar' often encapsulates these actions under one versatile verb.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
News Reporting
- apurar os fatos
- apurar a verdade
- a notícia foi apurada
Financial Transactions
- apurar os custos
- apurar os lucros
- apurar as contas
Competitions and Elections
- apurar os votos
- apurar o resultado
- apurar a classificação
Investigations
- apurar a causa
- apurar os detalhes
- apurar responsabilidades
Everyday Checks
- vamos apurar
- apurar o preço
- apurar a situação
Conversation Starters
"What was the last thing you had to 'apurar' for work or school?"
"If you were a detective, what kind of mystery would you like to 'apurar'?"
"How important is it for you to 'apurar' the truth when you hear news?"
"Can you think of a time when you had to 'apurar' a lot of information to make a decision?"
"In a competition, do you prefer to 'apurar' the scores yourself or wait for the official announcement?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you had to 'apurar' the costs of something. What did you learn from the process?
Write about a time you had to 'apurar' the facts about a misunderstanding. How did you approach it?
Imagine you are a journalist. Write a short report where you describe how you would 'apurar' a breaking news story.
Reflect on the importance of 'apurar' information in the age of social media. What are the challenges?
Think of a personal goal you have. How can the principle of 'apurar' (thorough investigation and calculation) help you achieve it?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Apurar' primarily means to ascertain, verify, or calculate something to determine its truth, accuracy, or precise outcome. It implies a thorough process of investigation or examination.
Use 'apurar' when you need to emphasize a more in-depth investigation, a detailed calculation, or the process of discovering a precise truth or number. 'Verificar' is more general for simply checking if something is correct.
Yes, absolutely. 'Apurar' is very commonly used for calculating or tallying numbers, such as costs, profits, votes, or scores. For example, 'apurar os custos' (to ascertain the costs) or 'apurar os votos' (to tally the votes).
'Apurar' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a connotation of seriousness and thoroughness. In very casual conversation, simpler verbs might be preferred, but it's perfectly acceptable in everyday speech.
'Apurar' is a regular -ar verb. Its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. For example, in the present tense: eu apuro, você apura, ele/ela apura, nós apuramos, eles/elas apuram.
Common phrases include 'apurar os fatos' (to ascertain the facts), 'apurar os custos' (to ascertain the costs), 'apurar o resultado' (to ascertain the result), and 'vamos apurar' (let's find out).
Yes, 'apurar' can mean to investigate, especially when the goal is to discover specific facts or details. However, 'investigar' is a more general term for investigation, while 'apurar' often focuses on the verification or calculation aspect of that investigation.
'Apurar' is the process of finding out or calculating, while 'determinar' is the act of establishing or deciding something definitively, often as a result of the 'apurar' process. You 'apurar' the votes to 'determinar' the winner.
Yes, 'apurar' can be used figuratively, often meaning to test or refine something, like 'apurar a paciência' (to test one's patience) or 'apurar o caráter' (to test one's character).
The noun form is 'apuração', which means the act of ascertaining, the tally, or the investigation itself. For example, 'a apuração dos votos' (the tally of the votes).
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Summary
The Portuguese verb 'apurar' signifies a diligent process of investigation, verification, or calculation to establish accuracy, truth, or a precise outcome. It moves beyond simple observation to a conclusive determination, making it vital in contexts requiring certainty, from financial reports to journalistic integrity.
- Apurar: Investigate, verify, or calculate to find the truth or exact result.
- Use for facts, numbers, outcomes, and details.
- Common in news, business, and everyday conversations.
- Careful checking is implied.
Context is Key
Always consider the context when using 'apurar'. Is it about finding out numbers, verifying facts, or determining an outcome? This will help you choose the most appropriate usage.
Verb Conjugation Practice
Practice conjugating 'apurar' in different tenses (present, preterite, future) and persons. This is crucial for speaking and writing accurately.
Synonym Awareness
Be aware of similar verbs like 'verificar' and 'confirmar'. Understand their nuances to select the most precise word for your intended meaning.
Focus on the 'R'
Practice the rolled 'r' sound in 'apurar' and ensure you place the stress correctly on the second syllable ('a-PU-rar') for natural pronunciation.
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a curto prazo
A2Over a short period of time; short-term.
à exceção de
B1With the exception of; apart from.
a longo prazo
A2Over a long period of time; long-term.
a não ser que
A2Unless; except if; only if not.
a partir de
A2Starting from; from a certain point in time or place.
a prazo
A2For a period of time; on credit or payment terms.
a tempo inteiro
B1Full-time; working the full number of hours considered normal for a job.
a tempo parcial
B1Part-time; working less than full-time hours.
abdicar
A2To give up, to abdicate; to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, or claim.
acessível
B1Available, accessible; easy to approach or use.
