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C1 verb 8 min read

averiguar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips averiguar in 30 Seconds

Explanation averiguar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'averiguar' often. It is a complex word. However, you might see it in very simple contexts like 'averiguar se o sol está forte' (check if the sun is strong). At this stage, just think of it as a fancy way to say 'look' or 'check'. It is good to recognize it, but you should focus on simpler verbs like 'ver' (to see) or 'olhar' (to look). If you see 'averiguar', just remember it means someone is trying to find out something. Most A1 students will find this word in news headlines and can simply translate it as 'to check'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to see more formal language. You might encounter 'averiguar' when reading simple news stories or formal instructions. You should understand that it means 'to find out the truth'. For example, if a teacher says 'Vou averiguar quem fez isso', they mean 'I will find out who did this'. You can start using it in simple sentences where you want to sound more serious than when using 'ver'. It's a useful word for describing a purposeful action to get information. You should also notice it in travel contexts, like 'averiguar o horário do trem' (checking the train schedule), although 'conferir' is more common there.

At the B1 level, 'averiguar' becomes a useful tool for your growing vocabulary. You should use it when you are talking about solving problems or verifying information. Instead of always using 'checar' (which is very informal and influenced by English), 'averiguar' makes your Portuguese sound more authentic and sophisticated. You can use it to describe tasks at work, such as 'averiguar os dados do relatório' (verifying the report data). You should also be aware of the basic conjugation, especially in the present and past tenses. It helps you express the idea of 'making sure' with a more investigative tone.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'averiguar' in both written and spoken Portuguese. You understand that it carries a nuance of investigation and formal verification. You can use it in debates or when writing essays to describe the act of looking for evidence. For example, 'É necessário averiguar as causas da poluição antes de criticar as indústrias'. You should also distinguish it from 'investigar' (more systematic) and 'verificar' (more routine). At this level, you should also be able to use the noun 'averiguação' (investigation/verification) correctly in sentences.

At the C1 level, 'averiguar' is a staple of your vocabulary. You use it to express precision and professional rigor. You are aware of its etymological connection to 'truth' and use it in contexts where discovering the truth is paramount, such as in legal, academic, or high-level business environments. You can handle its more complex syntax, like using it with indirect questions ('averiguar por que a empresa faliu'). You also master the pronunciation and spelling nuances, such as the sounding of the 'u' in 'averiguei'. You use this word to add a layer of formality and seriousness to your discourse, showing a deep command of the language's registers.

At the C2 level, you use 'averiguar' with the same ease as a native speaker in highly specialized contexts. You understand the subtle differences between 'averiguar', 'apurar', 'sindicar', and 'escriturar'. You can use the word in literary or philosophical discussions to describe the human quest for knowledge or the process of self-discovery. You are also familiar with the historical usage of the word and how it appears in classical Portuguese literature. In professional life, you might use it in complex legal documents or high-stakes investigative journalism, knowing exactly when its specific weight of 'ascertaining the truth' is the only correct choice for the context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

averiguar in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to investigate or ascertain the truth.
Commonly used in legal, journalistic, and professional contexts.
Stronger and more precise than 'verificar' or 'olhar'.
Focuses on resolving doubt through evidence or observation.

The Portuguese verb averiguar is a sophisticated and precise term used when one needs to determine the truth, validity, or reality of a situation. At its core, it translates to "to ascertain," "to find out," "to verify," or "to investigate." While a beginner might use verificar (to check) or olhar (to look), a C1-level speaker employs averiguar to suggest a more thorough, systematic, or formal process of discovery. It implies that there is a degree of uncertainty or a specific question that needs a definitive answer through evidence or observation.

Formal Investigation: In legal, journalistic, or administrative contexts, averiguar is the standard verb for conducting an inquiry. For example, a police officer doesn't just 'look' at a crime scene; they averiguam os fatos (ascertain the facts).
Everyday Verification: Even in daily life, it carries a sense of 'checking to be sure.' If you hear a strange noise in the kitchen at night, you go there to averiguar what happened. It suggests a purposeful action to resolve doubt.
The Quest for Truth: The word is etymologically linked to the Latin verus (true). Therefore, whenever the goal is to reach the 'truth' of a matter, averiguar is the most appropriate choice.

O detetive foi ao local para averiguar as denúncias de fraude documental.

Translation: The detective went to the scene to investigate/ascertain the allegations of documentary fraud.

Understanding when to use averiguar versus investigar is crucial for high-level fluency. Investigar is often broader—a long-term process. Averiguar is often more focused on a specific point of fact: "Is this true or not?" or "What exactly happened here?" It is a 'point-in-time' action that leads to a conclusion.

Antes de tomar uma decisão, precisamos averiguar se todas as condições foram cumpridas.

In academic writing, averiguar is frequently used to describe the methodology of a study. A researcher might averiguar a eficácia of a new drug or averiguar as causas of a social phenomenon. It denotes a rigorous and objective search for data.

A comissão de ética vai averiguar a conduta do parlamentar durante a sessão.

Finally, note the pronunciation. In Brazil, the 'u' in the ending -guar is pronounced in some forms of the verb (like averigúo or averiguei), which can be a trap for learners. Mastering this verb signals to native speakers that you have moved beyond basic vocabulary and are comfortable with the nuances of formal Portuguese.

The syntax of averiguar is relatively straightforward, but it often pairs with specific structures that define its meaning. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object—the thing you are trying to find out.

Pattern 1: Averiguar + Direct Object: This is the most common use. You investigate a noun directly.
Exemplo: A polícia quer averiguar o paradeiro do suspeito. (The police want to ascertain the suspect's whereabouts.)
Pattern 2: Averiguar + Se (If/Whether): Used when checking the validity of a condition.
Exemplo: Precisamos averiguar se os documentos são autênticos. (We need to find out if the documents are authentic.)
Pattern 3: Averiguar + Interrogative Pronouns: Used with words like quem, como, onde, por que.
Exemplo: O síndico vai averiguar quem deixou o portão aberto. (The building manager will find out who left the gate open.)

Ninguém se deu ao trabalho de averiguar a veracidade daquelas informações antes de publicá-las.

One common error is using 'averiguar' as an intransitive verb. It almost always requires a target. You don't just 'averiguar' in general; you 'averiguar' something specific. In formal reports, you might see it in the passive voice: "Os fatos estão sendo averiguados" (The facts are being investigated).

Cabe ao juiz averiguar se houve dolo ou culpa no acidente.

In a corporate environment, averiguar is used during audits or performance reviews. It implies a neutral, objective stance. If a manager says they will averiguar a complaint, it sounds much more serious and committed than saying they will just 'look into it' (ver).

O técnico veio averiguar a origem do vazamento de gás.

You will encounter averiguar in several specific domains of Portuguese-speaking life. It is not a slang word; rather, it is a word of authority and inquiry.

1. The Evening News (Telejornais): Journalists use it constantly. "A equipe de reportagem foi ao local para averiguar os danos causados pela chuva." It sounds professional and objective.
2. Legal and Police Contexts: Police reports (boletins de ocorrência) often use the noun form averiguação or the verb. If the police stop someone for questioning, they might be "detidos para averiguação."
3. Scientific and Academic Research: In papers and theses, researchers averiguam hypotheses. It conveys the rigor of the scientific method.

"Estamos aqui para averiguar a situação e garantir a segurança de todos," disse o capitão.

In a more casual setting, you might hear a parent say to a child, "Vá lá averiguar por que seu irmão está chorando." Here, it adds a slightly mock-serious or precise tone to a common domestic task. It implies the parent wants a full report of the situation.

A auditoria interna vai averiguar as contas da empresa nos últimos cinco anos.

In literature, authors use averiguar to describe a character's internal process of trying to make sense of a mystery. It emphasizes the mental effort involved in uncovering a secret or understanding a complex emotion.

While averiguar is a powerful tool in your vocabulary, there are several pitfalls to avoid, ranging from spelling to semantic confusion.

1. Confusing it with 'Investigar': While synonyms, investigar is a process, while averiguar is often the act of checking a specific fact. Don't use averiguar for a 10-year scientific career; use it for the specific experiments within that career.
2. The 'U' Pronunciation: In the preterite averiguei, the 'u' is pronounced. Many learners treat it like cheguei (where the 'u' is silent). Remember: in -guar verbs, the 'u' usually keeps its voice before 'e' and 'i'.
3. Overusing it in Informal Situations: Using averiguar when you just want to see what's in the fridge sounds overly robotic. Stick to ver or conferir for trivial tasks.

Errado: Eu vou averiguar se tem leite. (Too formal)
Correto: Eu vou ver se tem leite.

Another mistake is forgetting the preposition in certain regional uses, or adding a preposition where it isn't needed. Averiguar is directly transitive. Avoid saying "averiguar sobre algo" if you can just say "averiguar algo."

O fiscal deve averiguar a validade dos produtos, não apenas 'olhar'.

Lastly, learners often confuse averiguar with assegurar (to ensure). While you might averiguar something to assegurar quality, they are distinct steps in a process. One is finding out, the other is making certain.

To truly master averiguar, you must understand its position within a constellation of related Portuguese verbs. Each has a specific nuance.

Averiguar vs. Investigar: Investigar is broad and systematic (like a scientist or detective over months). Averiguar is often the specific act of checking a fact or a scene to find the truth.
Averiguar vs. Verificar: Verificar is often a routine check (checking a list, checking the time). Averiguar implies more depth and the resolution of a doubt or suspicion.
Averiguar vs. Apurar: Apurar is very common in journalism and sports. It means to refine or to find out the final details of something (like counting votes or 'getting to the bottom' of a rumor).

Enquanto o cientista investiga a cura, o técnico averigua os resultados do teste de hoje.

Other alternatives include constatar (to note/observe a fact that has become obvious) and certificar-se (to make sure). Use certificar-se when the focus is on your own peace of mind: "Quero me certificar de que a porta está trancada." Use averiguar when the focus is on the objective truth of the door's status.

Precisamos averiguar a procedência deste dinheiro.

In summary, choose averiguar when you want to emphasize the transition from 'not knowing' or 'doubting' to 'knowing for certain based on evidence.' It is the verb of the inquisitive and the rigorous.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'ver' (truth) is found in many English words like 'verdict', 'verify', and 'veracity', making 'averiguar' a distant cousin of 'verdict'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐ.vɨ.ɾi.ˈɡwaɾ/

US /a.ve.ɾi.ˈɡwaɾ/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: 'guar'.

Rhymes With

continuar efetuar habituar pactuar situar acentuar atuar cultuar

Common Errors

Silent 'u': Many learners treat 'guar' like 'gue' (silent u). In 'averiguar', the 'u' is always pronounced.
Stress on 'ri': Some learners incorrectly stress the third syllable.
Nasalizing the 'e': The 'e' should be clear, not nasal.
Hard 'r': Using an English 'r' instead of a Portuguese tap 'r'.
Confusing present tense stress: In 'averiguo', the stress can shift in some dialects.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in texts but requires understanding of formal tone.

Writing 5/5

Conjugation of -guar verbs can be tricky for learners.

Speaking 5/5

Requires correct pronunciation of the 'u' and 'r' sounds.

Listening 4/5

Easily confused with 'verificar' if heard quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ver olhar verdade fato pergunta

Learn Next

constatar apurar sindicar diligenciar certificar

Advanced

perscrutar esquadrinhar esmiuçar devassar

Grammar to Know

Verbs in -guar

In verbs like averiguar and apaziguar, the 'u' is pronounced in all forms.

Indirect Questions

Averiguar often introduces indirect questions: 'Vou averiguar *onde* eles estão'.

Passive Voice with 'se'

Averiguou-se que... (It was found out that...).

Subjunctive after 'É necessário que'

É necessário que averiguemos a situação.

Preposition 'ao' + infinitive

Ao averiguar os documentos, notei um erro.

Examples by Level

Eu vou averiguar se a porta está fechada.

I'm going to check if the door is closed.

Averiguar + se (if).

Ele quer averiguar o preço.

He wants to find out the price.

Direct object: o preço.

Vamos averiguar o que aconteceu.

Let's find out what happened.

Averiguar + what (o que).

Ela averigua a hora no relógio.

She checks the time on the clock.

Present tense: averigua.

Você pode averiguar se ele chegou?

Can you check if he has arrived?

Question form.

Averigue se a luz está acesa.

Check if the light is on.

Imperative form (command).

Eu averiguei o nome dele.

I found out his name.

Preterite (past) tense.

Eles averigúam o barulho.

They check out the noise.

Present tense plural.

O professor vai averiguar quem fez a lição.

The teacher will find out who did the homework.

Future with 'ir'.

Precisamos averiguar a verdade sobre o caso.

We need to find out the truth about the case.

Standard usage for finding truth.

O guarda foi averiguar o alarme.

The guard went to investigate the alarm.

Action verb of movement + averiguar.

Ela ligou para averiguar a reserva.

She called to verify the reservation.

Purpose clause: para + averiguar.

Eles estão averiguando a situação agora.

They are investigating the situation now.

Present continuous (gerund).

Eu averiguei se havia vagas no hotel.

I checked if there were vacancies at the hotel.

Note the 'u' sound in averiguei.

Ninguém quis averiguar o motivo da briga.

No one wanted to find out the reason for the fight.

Negative construction.

A polícia averigua o roubo na loja.

The police are investigating the robbery at the store.

Institutional usage.

O gerente vai averiguar as reclamações dos clientes.

The manager will investigate the customers' complaints.

Professional context.

É importante averiguar a fonte da informação.

It's important to verify the source of the information.

Impersonal expression 'É importante'.

Antes de comprar, averigúe as condições do carro.

Before buying, check the car's conditions.

Imperative formal (você).

Nós averiguamos que o sistema estava com erro.

We found out that the system had an error.

Averiguar + que (that).

O técnico veio averiguar por que a internet caiu.

The technician came to find out why the internet went down.

Indirect question with 'por que'.

Eles não averiguaram os fatos corretamente.

They didn't investigate the facts correctly.

Adverbial modification 'corretamente'.

Vou averiguar se o documento já foi assinado.

I'll check if the document has already been signed.

Passive voice in the sub-clause.

A comissão está aqui para averiguar a denúncia.

The commission is here to investigate the complaint.

Collective noun 'comissão'.

O auditor deve averiguar se houve desvio de verba.

The auditor must ascertain if there was a misappropriation of funds.

Modal verb 'deve' + averiguar.

Averiguamos que as evidências eram inconclusivas.

We ascertained that the evidence was inconclusive.

Formal preterite.

Cabe ao governo averiguar as causas do desemprego.

It's up to the government to investigate the causes of unemployment.

Structure 'Cabe a [alguém] averiguar'.

O jornalista passou meses averiguando a corrupção.

The journalist spent months investigating the corruption.

Gerund expressing duration.

Não podemos agir sem antes averiguar a situação.

We cannot act without first investigating the situation.

Prepositional phrase 'sem antes'.

Averigúe se os dados conferem com a realidade.

Verify if the data matches reality.

Verb 'conferir' as a synonym for matching.

Eles averiguaram minuciosamente cada detalhe do contrato.

They investigated every detail of the contract thoroughly.

Adverb 'minuciosamente'.

O detetive tentava averiguar o álibi do suspeito.

The detective was trying to verify the suspect's alibi.

Imperfect tense expressing attempt.

A sindicância foi aberta para averiguar a conduta ética.

The inquiry was opened to investigate ethical conduct.

High-level administrative vocabulary.

É imperativo averiguar a veracidade desses depoimentos.

It is imperative to ascertain the veracity of these testimonies.

Formal adjective 'imperativo'.

Averiguou-se que a falha foi de natureza humana.

It was ascertained that the failure was of a human nature.

Passive voice with 'se'.

Cumpre-nos averiguar as implicações legais da proposta.

It is our duty to investigate the legal implications of the proposal.

Formal verb 'cumprir-nos'.

O conselho decidiu averiguar a fundo as irregularidades.

The council decided to thoroughly investigate the irregularities.

Expression 'a fundo' (thoroughly).

Averiguar a procedência dos fundos é um passo essencial.

Ascertaining the origin of the funds is an essential step.

Infinitive as a noun subject.

Ao averiguar os fatos, percebi que fui enganado.

Upon investigating the facts, I realized I had been deceived.

Temporal clause with 'Ao + infinitive'.

O relatório visa averiguar a eficácia das novas políticas.

The report aims to ascertain the effectiveness of the new policies.

Verb 'visar' + infinitive.

Averiguar a ontologia do ser é uma tarefa filosófica.

Ascertaining the ontology of being is a philosophical task.

Highly abstract/academic context.

O historiador buscou averiguar a autenticidade do manuscrito.

The historian sought to ascertain the authenticity of the manuscript.

Historical research context.

Averigúem-se as responsabilidades civis e criminais.

Let the civil and criminal responsibilities be investigated.

Imperative passive voice.

A investigação não logrou averiguar o nexo causal.

The investigation failed to ascertain the causal link.

Formal verb 'lograr' (to succeed).

É preciso averiguar se a medida é consentânea com a lei.

It is necessary to ascertain if the measure is consistent with the law.

Sophisticated adjective 'consentânea'.

O cientista dedicou a vida a averiguar os mistérios do cosmos.

The scientist dedicated his life to investigating the mysteries of the cosmos.

Poetic/Grand context.

Averiguar a verossimilhança da narrativa é o papel do crítico.

Ascertaining the plausibility of the narrative is the critic's role.

Literary criticism vocabulary.

Não se pode averiguar o absoluto através de métodos relativos.

One cannot ascertain the absolute through relative methods.

Philosophical abstraction.

Common Collocations

averiguar a veracidade

averiguar os fatos

averiguar denúncias

averiguar a procedência

averiguar responsabilidades

mandar averiguar

averiguar a causa

averiguar se

averiguar a fundo

averiguar minuciosamente

Common Phrases

Detido para averiguação

— When someone is held by police to verify their identity or story.

O suspeito foi detido para averiguação na delegacia.

Vou averiguar isso agora mesmo

— A common way to say 'I'll look into this immediately' in a professional way.

Recebi seu e-mail e vou averiguar isso agora mesmo.

Nada foi averiguado

— Used when an investigation yields no results or hasn't started.

Até o momento, nada foi averiguado sobre o caso.

Cabe averiguar

— It is necessary or appropriate to investigate.

Cabe averiguar se houve má-fé na negociação.

Averiguar in loco

— To investigate on-site or at the actual location.

O engenheiro foi averiguar in loco os danos na ponte.

Averiguar a situação

— To check how things are going or what the status is.

Vou até a recepção averiguar a situação da fila.

Averiguar a autenticidade

— To check if something is real or a forgery.

O museu vai averiguar a autenticidade do quadro.

Averiguar queixas

— To look into complaints made by people.

O RH está aqui para averiguar as queixas dos funcionários.

Dar-se ao trabalho de averiguar

— To take the trouble to find out.

Ele nem se deu ao trabalho de averiguar se eu estava bem.

Averiguar por conta própria

— To investigate something by oneself without official help.

Ela decidiu averiguar por conta própria o que o marido escondia.

Often Confused With

averiguar vs investigar

Investigar is usually a longer, more complex process.

averiguar vs verificar

Verificar is often just a quick check against a standard or list.

averiguar vs assegurar

Assegurar means to make certain/guarantee, not to find out.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pôr em pratos limpos"

— To clear things up or find out the truth (related to the result of averiguar).

Depois de averiguar tudo, vamos pôr em pratos limpos.

Informal/Idiomatic

"Ir ao fundo da questão"

— To get to the bottom of the matter (a deep averiguação).

O juiz quer ir ao fundo da questão e averiguar os detalhes.

Neutral

"Passar um pente fino"

— To go through something with a fine-tooth comb (to averiguar very strictly).

A auditoria passou um pente fino para averiguar as contas.

Informal

"Checar os pingos nos is"

— To clarify every small detail (often follows an averiguação).

Averiguamos tudo e agora vamos colocar os pingos nos is.

Idiomatic

"Abrir o olho"

— To be alert (often suggested so one can averiguar better).

Abra o olho e averigúe o que eles estão planejando.

Informal

"Tirar a limpo"

— To find out the truth of a messy situation.

Vou tirar essa história a limpo e averiguar quem mentiu.

Informal/Neutral

"Ver com os próprios olhos"

— To witness or ascertain something personally.

Preciso ir lá averiguar e ver com os próprios olhos.

Neutral

"Ficar de olho"

— To keep an eye on (to facilitate continuous averiguação).

Fique de olho para averiguar qualquer movimento suspeito.

Informal

"Saber de que pé as coisas estão"

— To find out how things stand.

Liguei para averiguar e saber de que pé as coisas estão.

Informal

"Matar a cobra e mostrar o pau"

— To solve a problem and prove how it was done (proving what was averiguado).

Ele averiguou a falha, consertou e mostrou o resultado: matou a cobra e mostrou o pau.

Informal/Strong

Easily Confused

averiguar vs Apurar

Both involve finding out information.

Apurar often implies a final counting (like votes) or refining information to its essence. Averiguar is the act of checking the truth of a fact.

Vou averiguar se ele está lá; depois vamos apurar os detalhes da viagem.

averiguar vs Indagar

Both involve inquiry.

Indagar is specifically about asking questions (inquiry by speech). Averiguar can involve looking, testing, and other methods of discovery.

Ele indagou os vizinhos para averiguar o que ocorreu.

averiguar vs Certificar

Both involve certainty.

Certificar is to attest or issue a certificate of truth. Averiguar is the process of seeking that truth.

O perito averiguou o motor e certificou que estava em bom estado.

averiguar vs Sondar

Both involve searching.

Sondar is more about 'feeling out' a situation or person (probing) rather than a formal investigation of fact.

Vou sondar o terreno antes de averiguar os preços.

averiguar vs Escarafunchar

Both involve searching deeply.

Escarafunchar is very informal and implies a messy, physical digging through things.

Ela escarafunchou a gaveta para averiguar se havia dinheiro.

Sentence Patterns

Vou averiguar se [cláusula].

Vou averiguar se o trem já partiu.

É preciso averiguar o/a [substantivo].

É preciso averiguar a origem do problema.

Averiguou-se que [fato].

Averiguou-se que o contrato era nulo.

Incumbe à autoridade averiguar [objeto].

Incumbe à autoridade averiguar a conformidade legal.

Mandaram averiguar [objeto].

Mandaram averiguar o barulho no porão.

Passamos a averiguar [objeto].

Passamos a averiguar as denúncias recebidas.

Sem averiguar [objeto], não podemos concluir.

Sem averiguar os antecedentes, não podemos concluir a análise.

Averiguar-se-á [objeto] oportunamente.

Averiguar-se-á a conduta dos envolvidos oportunamente.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, legal, and professional contexts; moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Averiguei (pronouncing it like 'a-veh-ree-GAY') → Averiguei (pronounced 'a-veh-ree-GWAY-ee')
In Portuguese, verbs ending in -guar always have a sounded 'u' before 'e' or 'i'.
Eu vou averiguar sobre o caso. → Eu vou averiguar o caso.
Averiguar is a direct transitive verb. You don't usually need the preposition 'sobre'.
Using 'averiguar' for a routine check-up. → Fazer um check-up / consulta.
Averiguar is for investigating facts, not for medical check-ups.
Spelling it as 'averiguar' with a trema (ü). → averiguar
Since the 2009 reform, the trema is no longer used in Portuguese, except in foreign names.
Confusing 'averiguar' with 'abrigar'. → averiguar
Abrigar means to shelter. They sound slightly similar to beginners but have completely different meanings.

Tips

Level Up Your Reports

If you are writing a report for a Portuguese-speaking boss, use 'averiguar' instead of 'olhar'. It shows you have a high level of vocabulary and take your tasks seriously.

The 'U' is Alive

Remember: in -guar verbs, the 'u' is never silent. Practice saying 'guar' like the English word 'war' but with a 'g' in front. This will make your pronunciation sound more native.

Legal Nuance

In a legal context, 'averiguação' is a preliminary step. It's not a full trial yet. Use this word when you're talking about the very first stages of looking into a problem.

The 'Se' Connection

The most common pattern is 'Averiguar se...'. Practice this. 'Vou averiguar se o documento chegou'. 'Vou averiguar se ela vem'. It's the most natural way to use the verb.

Averiguar vs. Apurar

Use 'apurar' for numbers and news rumors. Use 'averiguar' for physical facts and situations. This distinction is subtle but will make you sound like a pro.

Avoid 'Checar'

While 'checar' is widely understood, purists and formal writers avoid it. Using 'averiguar' or 'verificar' will always be safer and more elegant in written Portuguese.

The Truth Root

Always remember the root 'ver' (truth). Averiguar = To bring to the truth. This helps you remember that it's not just 'looking', it's 'finding the truth'.

Polite Inquiry

If someone tells you something hard to believe, saying 'Vou averiguar essa informação' is a polite way of saying 'I'll check if that's actually true' without calling them a liar.

News Keywords

When listening to the news, 'averiguar' is a keyword that tells you the reporter is about to explain what is being done to solve a mystery or crime.

Passive Construction

Use 'Está sendo averiguado' in emails when someone asks for an update on a problem. It sounds professional and gives you time to actually find the answer.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-VERY-GOOD-WAR' against lies. You 'averiguar' to win the war for truth. Or think of 'A-Verify-Guar' (Verify the Guard).

Visual Association

Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking at a giant 'V' (for Veracity/Verdade).

Word Web

Verdade Polícia Fatos Dúvida Certeza Investigação Prova Realidade

Challenge

Try to use 'averiguar' instead of 'ver' three times today when you are checking something important (like your bank balance or a news headline).

Word Origin

Derived from the Vulgar Latin *averificare, which comes from the classical Latin 'ad' (to) + 'verificare' (to make true/verify).

Original meaning: To make true, to confirm the truth of something.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'detido para averiguação' can have negative connotations in some communities, as it historically involved profiling.

The English equivalent 'ascertain' is also formal, but 'averiguar' is used slightly more often in common news reports than 'ascertain' is in English news.

Used frequently in 'Cidade de Deus' (City of God) during police scenes. Common in the lyrics of Chico Buarque when describing societal observation. Appear in legal dramas like 'O Mecanismo' (The Mechanism).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Work

Averiguar o erro
Averiguar os dados
Averiguar a reclamação
Averiguar o prazo

In the News

Averiguar o crime
Averiguar a causa do acidente
Averiguar a denúncia
Averiguar a veracidade

At Home

Averiguar o barulho
Averiguar se a porta está trancada
Averiguar quem bateu
Averiguar o que quebrou

Legal/Police

Averiguar o álibi
Averiguar o paradeiro
Averiguar provas
Averiguar suspeitos

Academic

Averiguar a hipótese
Averiguar resultados
Averiguar fontes
Averiguar variáveis

Conversation Starters

"Você poderia averiguar por que o sistema está lento hoje?"

"A polícia já conseguiu averiguar a causa do incêndio no centro?"

"Como podemos averiguar se essa notícia é verdadeira ou fake news?"

"Você já foi averiguar se o seu novo passaporte está pronto?"

"Acho que ouvi um barulho lá fora; você pode ir averiguar para mim?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma situação em que você teve que averiguar a verdade por conta própria.

Como os jornalistas devem averiguar as informações antes de publicá-las hoje em dia?

Descreva um mistério que você gostaria de averiguar se tivesse os recursos necessários.

Reflita sobre a importância de averiguar os fatos em um mundo cheio de desinformação.

Se você fosse um detetive, qual seria o primeiro passo para averiguar um crime complexo?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds more serious than 'ver'. You use it when you want to emphasize that you are checking something to be absolutely sure. For example, 'Vou averiguar se deixei o fogão ligado' sounds like you are being very responsible.

The 'u' is pronounced as a 'w' sound. It is not silent. It sounds like 'ah-veh-ree-GWAY-ee'. This is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to the silent 'u' in 'guitar' or 'guest'.

Yes, you can 'averiguar a vida de alguém' (investigate someone's life) or 'averiguar um suspeito' (check out a suspect). It usually means checking their background or current status.

'Checar' is an anglicism (from 'to check') and is very informal. 'Averiguar' is a traditional Portuguese word and is much more formal and precise. In a business meeting, 'averiguar' is preferred.

Usually, no. It is a direct transitive verb. You 'averiguar algo'. However, you can say 'averiguar sobre algo' in some contexts, but it is less common than the direct form.

Yes, the noun is 'averiguação'. It is often used in the plural: 'averiguações'. For example, 'As averiguações continuam' (The investigations are ongoing).

In Brazil, it's usually: eu averiguo, tu averiguas, ele averigua, nós averiguamos, vós averiguais, eles averiguam. Note that some older grammars suggest 'averigúo' with stress on the 'u', but this is less common today.

Yes, the meaning is identical in both countries. The main difference might be the pronunciation of the final 'r' and the initial 'a', but the usage in news and law is the same.

Not exactly. It means 'to find out if it's true'. Once you have 'averiguado' something, you might have 'provado' (proven) it, but the verb itself refers to the search process.

Frequently. Scientists 'averiguam' the results of experiments to ensure they are accurate and replicable. It conveys the idea of rigorous verification.