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em conformidade com

B1 noun 13 min read

em conformidade com

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips em conformidade com in 30 Seconds

Explanation em conformidade com in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting your journey with Portuguese. The phrase 'em conformidade com' might seem very long and complicated. Instead of trying to use it yourself, focus on understanding that it means 'like' or 'following' a rule. In simple English, it's like saying 'doing what you are told'. At this stage, you would probably use much simpler words like 'como' (as/like) or 'seguindo' (following). For example, instead of 'em conformidade com as regras', an A1 student might say 'seguindo as regras'. However, you might see this phrase on signs in a Portuguese-speaking country, such as in a park or a train station, where it says rules must be followed. Just remember: 'conformidade' sounds like 'conform' in English. It means things are matching up. Don't worry about the grammar too much yet; just recognize that 'com' means 'with'. If you see this in a text, look for the word after 'com'—that is the rule you need to follow. It is a good phrase to recognize early because it appears in many official documents you might encounter if you move to a Portuguese-speaking country, like visa forms or rental contracts. Even if you can't say it perfectly, knowing that it signals 'compliance' will help you understand the context of formal situations. Focus on the 'com' part, which is one of the first prepositions you learn. It's a great way to see how small words like 'em' and 'com' can be combined with a noun to make a very specific and useful meaning. You won't be expected to use this in a basic conversation about your family or your favorite food, but you might see it if you are reading a simple set of instructions for a class or a game. It's a 'passive' vocabulary word for you right now.

As an A2 learner, you are building more complex sentences and starting to use more prepositions. You can begin to recognize 'em conformidade com' as a formal version of 'de acordo com', which you likely already know. While 'de acordo com' is great for saying 'according to my friend' or 'according to the book', 'em conformidade com' is specifically for rules, laws, and official instructions. You might start using it in simple formal emails, such as when you are sending a document to a school or a government office. For instance, you could write: 'Envio o documento em conformidade com o seu pedido' (I am sending the document in accordance with your request). This makes you sound much more polite and professional. At the A2 level, you should focus on the structure: [Action] + [em conformidade com] + [The Rule]. It’s important to practice the sounds of the words, especially the nasal 'em' and the 'm' at the end of 'com'. Remember that 'conformidade' is a feminine noun, but the phrase itself doesn't change gender. It is always 'em conformidade'. You should also pay attention to the articles that follow 'com'. If you are following 'the rule' (a regra), it becomes 'com a regra'. If you are following 'the rules' (as regras), it becomes 'com as regras'. This is a good exercise for your grammar skills. Even if you still prefer to use 'segundo' or 'de acordo com' in speaking, try to use 'em conformidade com' once or twice in your writing to practice. It will help you sound more integrated into the formal culture of Portuguese-speaking countries. You are moving from 'basic' to 'pre-intermediate', and this phrase is a perfect bridge into that more professional way of speaking.

B1 is the level where 'em conformidade com' truly becomes a part of your active vocabulary. At this 'Intermediate' stage, you are expected to handle professional situations, and this phrase is a key part of that. You should be able to use it to explain why you are doing something in a certain way at work or in a formal setting. For example, if someone asks why a project was changed, you can say, 'Nós mudamos o projeto para estar em conformidade com as novas leis'. This shows that you understand not just the language, but the professional expectations of compliance and standard-keeping. You should also start to notice the difference between this phrase and its synonyms. You'll realize that 'em conformidade com' is more 'official' than 'de acordo com'. At B1, you are also learning to use more complex noun phrases, and 'em conformidade com' is often followed by long, specific terms like 'o regulamento interno da empresa' or 'as especificações técnicas do fabricante'. Practice using it with different verbs like 'estar' (to be in a state of compliance) and 'agir' (to act in compliance). This is also the level where you should be careful with the 'crase'. While 'em conformidade com' doesn't use it, you might see 'em conformidade à' in some texts, and you should understand that it's a variation, though 'com' is more common. Using this phrase correctly in a job interview or a business meeting will give a very positive impression of your Portuguese skills. It shows you have moved beyond the 'tourist' level and are ready to participate in the professional life of a Lusophone country. You can also use it to discuss social issues or news stories, which is a common task at the B1 level. For example, discussing whether a new law is 'em conformidade com' human rights.

At the B2 level, you are an 'Upper Intermediate' learner, and your use of 'em conformidade com' should be natural and precise. You should be able to use it to discuss nuances in policy and law. For instance, you might use it to contrast different standards: 'Embora o produto esteja em conformidade com as leis locais, ele ainda não atende aos padrões internacionais'. This level of complexity shows that you can use the phrase as a tool for critical thinking and comparison. You should also be comfortable using it in the 'sentence-initial' position to set the tone for formal letters or reports: 'Em conformidade com as diretrizes estabelecidas no ano passado, apresentamos os seguintes resultados...'. At B2, you should also be aware of the stylistic weight of the phrase. You know that using it too much might make your writing sound 'heavy' or 'bureaucratic', so you learn to balance it with other expressions like 'conforme' or 'consoante' to keep the text flowing. You should also be able to identify when the phrase is being used in a sarcastic or ironic way in literature or journalism. For example, a critic might say a politician is acting 'em conformidade com seus próprios interesses', which subverts the usually positive/neutral meaning of the phrase. Your grammar should be flawless when using this locution, including the correct use of articles and contractions after 'com'. You might also start using modified versions, like 'em plena conformidade com' (in full compliance with) or 'em estrita conformidade com' (in strict compliance with), to add emphasis. This shows a high level of lexical control. You are no longer just 'using' the phrase; you are 'mastering' it to achieve specific communicative goals in complex professional and social environments.

As a C1 learner, you are at the 'Advanced' level. Your understanding of 'em conformidade com' extends to its most subtle nuances and its place within the broader landscape of Portuguese legal and administrative discourse. You understand that this phrase is not just a translation of 'in accordance with', but a marker of a specific type of 'officialdom' in Lusophone cultures. You can use it in high-level debates, academic theses, and complex legal arguments. You might compare how 'em conformidade com' is used in the Brazilian Civil Code versus the Portuguese Civil Code, noting any subtle differences in frequency or surrounding collocations. At this level, you can also manipulate the phrase for stylistic effect, perhaps using it in a more metaphorical sense in creative writing to describe a character whose life is 'em conformidade com' the rigid expectations of their society. You are also fully aware of the history of the word 'conformidade' and how it relates to concepts of 'forma' (form) and 'norma' (norm) in Latin-based languages. You can effortlessly switch between 'em conformidade com', 'consoante', 'nos termos de', and 'ao abrigo de' (another very formal legal phrase), choosing the one that perfectly fits the 'register' of your conversation or document. Your use of the phrase is so natural that it doesn't stand out as 'learned' vocabulary; it simply fits perfectly into the professional or academic fabric of your speech. You can also provide feedback to others on their use of the phrase, identifying when it sounds slightly 'off' or when a different preposition might be better. At C1, you are a sophisticated user of the language who understands that 'conformidade' is as much a cultural concept as it is a linguistic one.

At the C2 level, you have reached 'Mastery'. You use 'em conformidade com' with the same ease and precision as a highly educated native speaker, such as a judge, a senior lawyer, or a top-tier executive. You understand the profound legal implications of the phrase in contracts—how a single instance of something not being 'em conformidade com' a clause can lead to massive litigation. You are sensitive to the rhythmic and prosodic qualities of the phrase within a long, complex sentence, ensuring that it contributes to the overall 'élan' of your prose. You might even explore the philosophical dimensions of 'conformidade' in an essay, discussing the tension between individual freedom and the social necessity of acting 'em conformidade com' collective norms. At this level, you are likely reading original legal texts, historical documents, and the most challenging contemporary literature, where 'em conformidade com' appears in various stylistic guises. You can identify archaic uses in 19th-century texts and compare them to modern administrative usage. Your mastery is such that you can even play with the phrase, perhaps creating a pun or a clever subversion in a speech or a piece of journalism. You understand the 'power' of this phrase to authorize or de-authorize actions in a bureaucratic system. For you, 'em conformidade com' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a fundamental building block of the formal Portuguese language, a tool you use with absolute confidence and strategic intent. You could easily draft a national regulation or a complex international treaty in Portuguese, using this phrase and its counterparts to create a document that is legally watertight and stylistically impeccable.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

em conformidade com in 30 Seconds

A formal phrase meaning 'in accordance with' or 'in compliance with'.
Essential for professional, legal, and technical Portuguese communication.
Used to show that actions or documents follow specific rules or standards.
A more sophisticated alternative to the common 'de acordo com'.

The Portuguese phrase em conformidade com is a sophisticated prepositional locution that translates most accurately to 'in accordance with' or 'in compliance with' in English. While it might appear daunting to a beginner, it is an essential tool for anyone looking to navigate professional, legal, or formal environments in the Lusophone world. At its core, the phrase signifies a state of agreement, harmony, or adherence between an action and a specific set of rules, standards, or expectations. It is built from the noun 'conformidade' (conformity/agreement), prefixed by 'em' (in) and followed by the preposition 'com' (with), creating a bridge between a behavior and its governing principle. This phrase is ubiquitous in the workplace, particularly when discussing contracts, safety regulations, or corporate policies. For instance, if a company builds a new factory, they must ensure everything is em conformidade com environmental laws. In a more abstract sense, it can also describe things that match a certain aesthetic or logical pattern, though its primary home remains the world of formal requirements. Understanding this phrase allows a learner to move beyond simple verbs like 'seguir' (to follow) and express complex ideas about legitimacy and procedural correctness. It is a hallmark of B1-level proficiency because it demonstrates an ability to handle abstract organizational concepts. When you use this phrase, you are signaling that you understand the importance of standards. It is not just about doing something; it is about doing something correctly according to a benchmark. This distinction is vital in Portuguese culture, where bureaucratic and legal precision is often highly valued in official communications. Whether you are reading a rental agreement in Lisbon or a software license in São Paulo, you will encounter this phrase as the gold standard for expressing compliance.

Legal Context: Used to indicate that a contract or action follows the law strictly. For example, 'O contrato está em conformidade com o Código Civil.'
Technical Context: Used in engineering and manufacturing to show that a product meets specific technical requirements or ISO standards.
Social Context: Less common in casual speech, but used when discussing social norms or religious practices in a formal setting.

Todo o projeto foi executado em conformidade com as normas de segurança vigentes.

Os documentos devem ser entregues em conformidade com o edital do concurso.

A empresa agiu em conformidade com as orientações do Ministério da Saúde.

O pagamento será processado em conformidade com os termos estabelecidos anteriormente.

As cores da fachada estão em conformidade com o plano diretor da cidade.

Using em conformidade com requires a bit of structural awareness. Because it is a multi-word expression, it functions as a unit that modifies the relationship between a subject's action and a standard. It usually appears after a verb or as part of a predicate adjective construction. For example, in the sentence 'O relatório foi escrito em conformidade com as regras', the phrase modifies how the report was written. One of the most important things to remember is that it is almost always followed by a noun phrase that represents a rule, a law, a request, or a standard. You wouldn't typically say 'em conformidade com ele' unless 'ele' refers back to a specific set of rules. The phrase is inherently formal, so it is best suited for written reports, emails to superiors, or academic papers. In terms of word order, it is quite flexible. You can place it at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the compliance: 'Em conformidade com o seu pedido, envio os arquivos.' This structure is very common in business correspondence. Alternatively, it can be placed at the end of a sentence to provide the reason or justification for an action: 'Nós alteramos o sistema em conformidade com as novas diretrizes.' Another nuance is the choice of the preposition 'com'. In some archaic or very specific legal texts, you might see 'em conformidade a', but in modern Brazilian and European Portuguese, 'com' is the standard and most natural choice. If you are describing a person's behavior, you might say they are 'agindo em conformidade com os valores da empresa', which adds a layer of moral or ethical alignment to the technical meaning. It is also worth noting that the noun 'conformidade' can be modified by adjectives to provide more detail, such as 'em estrita conformidade com' (in strict accordance with), which is a common way to emphasize that no deviations were allowed. This level of detail is what separates a B1 learner from an A2 learner; it shows you can handle the nuances of administrative language. When practicing, try to pair it with verbs like 'estar', 'agir', 'proceder', 'executar', and 'elaborar'. These combinations are the most frequent and will help you sound more like a native professional.

With the verb 'Estar': Indicates a state of being in compliance. 'Tudo está em conformidade com o plano.'
With the verb 'Agir': Indicates that an action is being performed according to rules. 'Ele agiu em conformidade com a lei.'
Sentence Initial Position: Used for emphasis in formal writing. 'Em conformidade com o contrato, o prazo termina hoje.'

A obra deve ser realizada em conformidade com o cronograma aprovado.

O software foi atualizado em conformidade com os requisitos do cliente.

Agimos em conformidade com as decisões tomadas na última reunião.

O produto foi fabricado em conformidade com as especificações técnicas.

Os dados são tratados em conformidade com a Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD).

If you are spending time in a Portuguese-speaking office, you will hear em conformidade com almost daily. It is the bread and butter of corporate communication. Managers use it when giving instructions to ensure that teams don't deviate from the established 'workflow'. You will also hear it frequently on the news, especially when journalists are reporting on government actions or legal proceedings. For instance, a news anchor might say, 'O governo agiu em conformidade com a Constituição', to emphasize that a controversial move was legally sound. In the world of finance and banking, this phrase is part of the 'compliance' vocabulary (often referred to as 'compliance' even in Portuguese, but 'conformidade' is the local term). When a bank checks if a transaction is legal, they are checking if it is em conformidade com anti-money laundering regulations. Another common place to encounter this is in the fine print of advertisements or on the back of product packaging. If a toy is safe for children, the box might state it was produced em conformidade com safety standards. In Portugal, where public administration can be quite formal, you'll see this phrase in letters from the 'Câmara Municipal' (City Hall) or the 'Finanças' (Tax Authority). In Brazil, it is a staple of 'juridiquês'—the specialized language used by lawyers and judges. However, its use isn't strictly limited to high-stakes legalities. In a university setting, a professor might remind students to format their thesis em conformidade com the ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards) rules. Essentially, wherever there is a system of rules and a need to prove that those rules are being followed, em conformidade com will be there. It provides a sense of security and legitimacy to the speaker's claims. If you want to sound professional and reliable in a Portuguese-speaking environment, mastering the timing of this phrase is key. It shows you respect the protocols and are detail-oriented. It’s also very common in the IT sector, specifically regarding 'conformidade de software' and data privacy laws like the GDPR (known as RGPD in Portuguese). Listening for this phrase during business meetings or while reading LinkedIn posts from Portuguese professionals will give you a great sense of how it functions as a marker of quality and adherence.

In the News: Used to describe government compliance with international treaties or domestic laws.
In Corporate Emails: Commonly used to confirm that a task has been completed according to the boss's instructions.
In Academic Writing: Used to cite sources or follow formatting guidelines like ABNT or APA.

A operação policial foi realizada em conformidade com o mandado judicial.

Este certificado garante que o produto está em conformidade com os padrões europeus.

O treinamento foi conduzido em conformidade com o manual de boas práticas.

As demonstrações financeiras foram preparadas em conformidade com as normas contábeis.

O evento será organizado em conformidade com os protocolos de saúde vigentes.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with em conformidade com is confusing it with other similar-sounding prepositions or omitting the 'com' entirely. A common error is saying 'em conformidade de', which is incorrect in modern usage. The phrase requires the preposition 'com' to link the state of conformity to the object it is conforming to. Another mistake is using it in situations that are far too informal. For example, saying 'Eu comi o bolo em conformidade com a minha fome' would sound bizarre and overly clinical; instead, you would simply say 'Eu comi o bolo porque estava com fome'. Learners also sometimes struggle with the 'crase' (the accent mark `à`) when they try to use the alternative version 'em conformidade a'. While 'em conformidade a' is grammatically possible in some contexts, it often requires the feminine contraction (à), which adds a layer of complexity that 'em conformidade com' avoids. Stick to 'com' to be safe. Another pitfall is redundancy. Since 'conformidade' already implies agreement, saying something like 'em conformidade de acordo com' is repetitive and should be avoided. You should choose one or the other. Additionally, watch out for the pluralization of 'conformidade'. The phrase is almost always used in the singular. Saying 'em conformidades com' is a sign of a non-native speaker. Finally, ensure that the object following 'com' is actually a standard or a rule. You cannot be 'em conformidade com uma maçã' (in accordance with an apple) unless the apple represents some sort of symbolic standard. Misunderstanding the semantic weight of the word 'conformidade' can lead to these logical errors. Always ensure that what follows 'com' is a noun that represents a guideline, a request, a law, or a specific expectation. By avoiding these common traps, you will ensure that your use of this high-level phrase remains precise and professional, reflecting a true B1 or B2 level of Portuguese mastery. It's also worth noting that some learners forget the article after 'com'. It is 'em conformidade com a lei', not 'em conformidade com lei', unless you are speaking in a very abstract, general sense, which is rare.

Wrong Preposition: Mistake: 'em conformidade de'. Correct: 'em conformidade com'.
Over-formality: Mistake: Using it for trivial personal choices. Stick to professional or official contexts.
Redundancy: Mistake: 'em conformidade de acordo com'. Use one or the other.

Errado: O projeto está em conformidade de as regras.

Correto: O projeto está em conformidade com as regras.

Evite: Em conformidades com o que você disse...

Use: Em conformidade com o que você disse...

Atenção: Não esqueça o artigo! 'Em conformidade com a norma'.

Portuguese offers several ways to express the idea of 'according to' or 'in compliance with', and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality you want to achieve. The most common alternative is de acordo com. This is the 'Swiss army knife' of the group; it works in almost any situation, from casual conversations to professional emails. If you find 'em conformidade com' too heavy, 'de acordo com' is your best bet. Another strong contender is the word segundo. This is often used when citing information or someone's opinion, similar to 'according to' in English. For example, 'Segundo o jornal...' (According to the newspaper...). However, 'segundo' is less about 'compliance' and more about 'attribution'. For a very formal or literary tone, you might use consoante. This word is often found in legal codes and high-level academic texts. It implies a direct correlation or a following of a pattern. Another option is conforme, which can act as a conjunction. You might say 'Conforme combinamos' (As we agreed). It is very versatile and slightly less formal than 'em conformidade com'. In legal documents, you will frequently see nos termos de, which specifically refers to the terms of a contract or law. For example, 'nos termos do artigo 5º' (under the terms of article 5). If you want to describe something that is in harmony with something else, em harmonia com is a beautiful alternative that carries a more aesthetic or peaceful connotation. Finally, respeitando (respecting/observing) can be used when talking about following rules or limits. Understanding these nuances allows you to vary your vocabulary and avoid repeating the same phrase over and over in a long report. While 'em conformidade com' is the most precise for 'compliance', 'de acordo com' is the most useful for daily life. Learning when to switch between them is a key step in reaching C1-level fluency, where stylistic variety becomes as important as grammatical accuracy.

De acordo com: Neutral and versatile. Good for: 'De acordo com o meu relógio, estamos atrasados.'
Segundo: Used for attribution. Good for: 'Segundo o meteorologista, vai chover.'
Consoante: Very formal/Legal. Good for: 'Consoante o disposto na lei...'

Comparação:
1. Formal: Em conformidade com as regras.
2. Neutro: De acordo com as regras.
3. Simples: Seguindo as regras.

Exemplo com Conforme: Conforme o previsto, o projeto foi entregue.

Exemplo com Segundo: Segundo os especialistas, o mercado vai crescer.

Exemplo com Nos termos de: O réu foi condenado nos termos de lei.

Exemplo com Em harmonia com: A decoração está em harmonia com a natureza.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'conformidade' shares the same root as 'form' and 'formula'. In the Middle Ages, it was often used in religious contexts to describe living in accordance with divine will.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ẽ kofoʁmiˈdadʒi kũ/

US /ẽ kofor-mee-DA-jee koo-m/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable of the main noun: con-for-mi-DA-de.

Rhymes With

cidade vontade verdade liberdade amizade unidade qualidade realidade

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'm' in 'com' like an English 'm' (lips should barely touch, focusing on the nasal vowel).
Forgetting the nasal sounds in 'em' and 'com'.
Pronouncing the 'r' in 'conformidade' too strongly (it should be a soft guttural or flap depending on the region).
Stressing the wrong syllable in 'conformidade'.
Skipping the 'i' in 'conformidade'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'conformity'.

Writing 6/5

Requires knowledge of when to use formal register and which articles to pair it with.

Speaking 7/5

The nasal sounds and the length of the phrase can be tricky for beginners to say fluently.

Listening 4/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech, but might be mumbled in fast business talk.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

com em acordo regra lei

Learn Next

consoante mediante perante visto que

Advanced

jurisprudência edital cláusula outorgar anuência

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Locutions

'Em conformidade com' is a group of words acting as a single preposition.

Nasal Vowels

The 'em' and 'com' must be pronounced through the nose.

Definite Articles with Prepositions

Com + a = com a; Com + o = com o; Com + as = com as; Com + os = com os.

Formal Register

Choice of 'em conformidade com' over 'de acordo com' to change the tone of the sentence.

Adjective Agreement

If you add an adjective: 'em ESTREITA conformidade' (feminine to match conformidade).

Examples by Level

O jogo é em conformidade com as regras.

The game is in accordance with the rules.

Simple use of 'é' (is) + the phrase.

O desenho está em conformidade com o exemplo.

The drawing is in accordance with the example.

'Está' indicates a temporary state of matching.

Tudo está em conformidade com o plano.

Everything is in accordance with the plan.

'Tudo' (everything) is the subject.

Eu faço tudo em conformidade com a professora.

I do everything in accordance with the teacher.

A1 students use 'com a professora' as the standard.

O carro está em conformidade com a lei.

The car is in accordance with the law.

Basic 'law' (lei) vocabulary.

A cor está em conformidade com o seu desejo.

The color is in accordance with your wish.

'Seu desejo' (your wish) is the standard.

O trabalho está em conformidade com o tempo.

The work is in accordance with the time.

Simple 'time' (tempo) vocabulary.

Eles agem em conformidade com o grupo.

They act in accordance with the group.

Plural verb 'agem' (they act).

Assinei o contrato em conformidade com o que li.

I signed the contract in accordance with what I read.

Uses 'o que' (what/that which).

O bolo foi feito em conformidade com a receita.

The cake was made in accordance with the recipe.

Passive voice 'foi feito' (was made).

Viajamos em conformidade com o orçamento.

We traveled in accordance with the budget.

Vocabulary: 'orçamento' (budget).

O aluno respondeu em conformidade com o livro.

The student answered in accordance with the book.

Past tense 'respondeu'.

A casa foi pintada em conformidade com o pedido.

The house was painted in accordance with the request.

Feminine passive 'foi pintada'.

Agimos em conformidade com as instruções do manual.

We acted in accordance with the manual's instructions.

Plural 'instruções'.

A festa ocorreu em conformidade com a tradição.

The party occurred in accordance with tradition.

Vocabulary: 'tradição' (tradition).

O pagamento está em conformidade com o acordo.

The payment is in accordance with the agreement.

Vocabulary: 'acordo' (agreement).

A empresa opera em conformidade com as normas ambientais.

The company operates in accordance with environmental standards.

Professional context: 'normas ambientais'.

O relatório foi elaborado em conformidade com as diretrizes da ONU.

The report was prepared in accordance with UN guidelines.

Verb 'elaborar' (to prepare/draft).

Os dados são protegidos em conformidade com a nova lei.

The data is protected in accordance with the new law.

Context: Data protection/Privacy.

O projeto seguiu em conformidade com o cronograma inicial.

The project proceeded in accordance with the initial schedule.

Vocabulary: 'cronograma' (schedule).

A decisão foi tomada em conformidade com os valores da família.

The decision was made in accordance with family values.

Abstract standard: 'valores' (values).

O treinamento deve estar em conformidade com as exigências do cargo.

The training must be in accordance with the job requirements.

Modal verb 'deve' (must).

As finanças foram auditadas em conformidade com as regras fiscais.

The finances were audited in accordance with tax rules.

Vocabulary: 'auditadas' (audited).

O evento será realizado em conformidade com o protocolo de segurança.

The event will be held in accordance with the safety protocol.

Future tense 'será realizado'.

A reforma foi feita em estrita conformidade com o projeto arquitetônico.

The renovation was done in strict accordance with the architectural design.

Use of 'estrita' (strict) to modify the phrase.

O software deve ser configurado em conformidade com as políticas de rede.

The software must be configured in accordance with network policies.

Technical IT context.

A petição foi indeferida por não estar em conformidade com o rito processual.

The petition was denied for not being in accordance with the procedural rite.

Legal context: 'rito processual'.

Os lucros foram distribuídos em conformidade com a participação de cada sócio.

Profits were distributed in accordance with each partner's share.

Business context: 'sócio' (partner).

O comportamento do funcionário não estava em conformidade com o código de ética.

The employee's behavior was not in accordance with the code of ethics.

Negative 'não estava'.

As amostras foram coletadas em conformidade com os padrões laboratoriais.

The samples were collected in accordance with laboratory standards.

Scientific context: 'amostras' (samples).

O governo agiu em conformidade com os tratados internacionais de direitos humanos.

The government acted in accordance with international human rights treaties.

Political context: 'tratados internacionais'.

A produção foi interrompida para entrar em conformidade com as novas exigências.

Production was halted to come into compliance with the new requirements.

Infinitive 'entrar em conformidade' (to come into compliance).

A tese foi estruturada em conformidade com os rigores da metodologia científica.

The thesis was structured in accordance with the rigors of scientific methodology.

High-level academic context.

A empresa buscou certificar-se em conformidade com as normas ISO 9001.

The company sought to certify itself in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.

Pronominal verb 'certificar-se'.

O magistrado decidiu em conformidade com a jurisprudência dominante do tribunal.

The magistrate decided in accordance with the dominant jurisprudence of the court.

Legal term: 'jurisprudência dominante'.

A narrativa flui em conformidade com as expectativas do gênero policial.

The narrative flows in accordance with the expectations of the detective genre.

Literary analysis context.

As medidas de austeridade foram aplicadas em conformidade com o acordo de resgate.

Austerity measures were applied in accordance with the bailout agreement.

Economic context: 'medidas de austeridade'.

O design de interiores está em plena conformidade com o estilo minimalista.

The interior design is in full accordance with the minimalist style.

Use of 'plena' (full) for emphasis.

A conduta do réu foi avaliada em conformidade com as atenuantes previstas na lei.

The defendant's conduct was evaluated in accordance with the mitigating factors provided for in the law.

Legal term: 'atenuantes' (mitigating factors).

O sistema de irrigação opera em conformidade com as necessidades hídricas do solo.

The irrigation system operates in accordance with the soil's water needs.

Technical/Agricultural context.

A hermenêutica jurídica exige que a interpretação esteja em conformidade com o espírito da lei.

Legal hermeneutics requires that interpretation be in accordance with the spirit of the law.

Philosophical/Legal context: 'espírito da lei'.

O plano de reestruturação foi gizado em conformidade com as flutuações do mercado global.

The restructuring plan was devised in accordance with global market fluctuations.

Sophisticated verb 'gizar' (to devise/outline).

A obra de arte desafia a percepção, não estando em conformidade com os cânones clássicos.

The work of art challenges perception, not being in accordance with classical canons.

Art criticism: 'cânones clássicos'.

A diplomacia exige que cada gesto seja feito em conformidade com o protocolo de Estado.

Diplomacy requires that every gesture be made in accordance with State protocol.

Political/Diplomatic context.

O desenvolvimento sustentável deve ocorrer em conformidade com a capacidade de regeneração da biosfera.

Sustainable development must occur in accordance with the biosphere's regeneration capacity.

Environmental/Scientific context.

A decisão administrativa foi anulada por não se encontrar em conformidade com o devido processo legal.

The administrative decision was annulled for not being in accordance with due process of law.

Legal term: 'devido processo legal'.

A simetria do edifício está em conformidade com a proporção áurea.

The building's symmetry is in accordance with the golden ratio.

Mathematical/Architectural context.

O silogismo foi construído em conformidade com as regras da lógica aristotélica.

The syllogism was constructed in accordance with the rules of Aristotelian logic.

Philosophical/Logical context.

Common Collocations

em conformidade com a lei

em conformidade com as normas

em conformidade com o regulamento

em conformidade com o contrato

em conformidade com o pedido

em conformidade com as instruções

em conformidade com os padrões

em conformidade com as diretrizes

estar em conformidade com

agir em conformidade com

Common Phrases

Entrar em conformidade

— To adjust something so that it meets the required standards or laws.

A empresa precisa entrar em conformidade com a nova lei ambiental.

Certificado de conformidade

— An official document proving that a product meets specific standards.

O brinquedo não pode ser vendido sem o certificado de conformidade.

Em estrita conformidade

— Following the rules exactly, with no room for error or deviation.

O experimento foi realizado em estrita conformidade com o protocolo.

Verificar a conformidade

— To check if something matches the rules or expectations.

O auditor vai verificar a conformidade das contas.

Não conformidade

— A failure to meet a requirement or standard (often used in audits).

Encontramos uma não conformidade no processo de produção.

Em plena conformidade

— Completely matching or following the standards.

O projeto está em plena conformidade com o orçamento.

Agir em conformidade

— To behave according to what is expected or required.

Se você agir em conformidade, não terá problemas.

Em conformidade com o previsto

— Exactly as it was planned or anticipated.

O lucro veio em conformidade com o previsto pelos analistas.

Em conformidade com o disposto

— According to what is written in a specific legal text.

Em conformidade com o disposto no artigo 1º, todos são iguais.

Pôr em conformidade

— To make something compliant with rules.

Vamos pôr o sistema em conformidade com as novas regras de segurança.

Often Confused With

em conformidade com vs Em conformidade de

This is a common mistake; the correct preposition is always 'com'.

em conformidade com vs De acordo com

They mean the same thing, but 'em conformidade com' is more formal and specific to rules.

em conformidade com vs Conforme

Conforme can be a conjunction (Conforme eu disse), while 'em conformidade com' is always a prepositional phrase.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dançar conforme a música"

— To adapt to a situation or follow the rules of the moment, similar to 'going with the flow'.

Naquela empresa, você tem que dançar conforme a música.

Informal

"Andar na linha"

— To behave correctly and follow all the rules strictly.

Depois da bronca, ele passou a andar na linha.

Informal

"Seguir a cartilha"

— To follow a set of rules or instructions very strictly, often without questioning.

Ele seguiu a cartilha do partido durante toda a campanha.

Neutral

"À risca"

— To follow something perfectly, 'to the letter'. Often used with 'seguir'.

Ela seguiu a receita à risca.

Neutral

"Pôr os pingos nos is"

— To clarify everything and ensure everyone is in agreement/following the same understanding.

Precisamos pôr os pingos nos is para estarmos em conformidade.

Informal

"Preto no branco"

— Something that is clearly written down and must be followed, like a contract.

Eu quero tudo preto no branco, em conformidade com o que prometeu.

Informal

"Manda quem pode, obedece quem tem juízo"

— A saying that implies following the rules of those in power is the wise thing to do.

Ele aceitou as ordens sem reclamar: manda quem pode, obedece quem tem juízo.

Informal

"Fazer coro com"

— To agree with or align one's opinion with someone else's.

Ele fez coro com o diretor, em conformidade com a nova política.

Neutral

"Estar no mesmo barco"

— To be in the same situation and thus needing to follow the same rules.

Estamos no mesmo barco, então aja em conformidade com o grupo.

Informal

"Falar a mesma língua"

— To be in total agreement or alignment regarding a set of rules or ideas.

Finalmente, os dois departamentos estão falando a mesma língua.

Neutral

Easily Confused

em conformidade com vs Conformado

Looks like 'conformidade'.

'Conformado' means someone who has resigned themselves to a situation (unhappy but accepting). 'Em conformidade' means following a rule.

Ele está conformado com o salário baixo, mas o contrato não está em conformidade com a lei.

em conformidade com vs Conforto

Similar prefix.

'Conforto' means comfort/physical ease. No relation to rules or standards.

O sofá traz conforto, mas não está em conformidade com o design da sala.

em conformidade com vs Confirmação

Similar sound.

'Confirmação' is confirmation (proving something is true). 'Conformidade' is matching a standard.

Recebi a confirmação de que o projeto está em conformidade.

em conformidade com vs Uniformidade

Ends with '-formidade'.

'Uniformidade' means everything is the same (uniform). 'Conformidade' means following a standard.

Há uniformidade nas cores, em conformidade com o plano.

em conformidade com vs Informidade

Rare word, similar sound.

'Informidade' means lack of form. 'Conformidade' is following a form/rule.

A informidade do barro não está em conformidade com o molde.

Sentence Patterns

Eu fiz [coisa] em conformidade com [regra].

Eu fiz o bolo em conformidade com a receita.

O [documento] está em conformidade com [normas].

O relatório está em conformidade com as normas da empresa.

Em conformidade com [pedido], envio [anexo].

Em conformidade com o seu pedido, envio o arquivo em anexo.

[Sujeito] agiu em conformidade com [lei/ética].

O diretor agiu em conformidade com o código de ética.

Tudo deve ser realizado em conformidade com [cronograma].

Tudo deve ser realizado em conformidade com o cronograma.

A decisão foi tomada em conformidade com [jurisprudência/diretrizes].

A decisão foi tomada em conformidade com as diretrizes internacionais.

O sistema opera em conformidade com [requisitos técnicos].

O sistema opera em conformidade com os requisitos técnicos de segurança.

A interpretação deve estar em conformidade com [espírito/essência].

A interpretação deve estar em conformidade com o espírito da constituição.

Word Family

Nouns

conformidade (conformity)

conformismo (conformism)

conformista (conformist)

conformação (conformation)

Verbs

conformar (to conform/to resign)

conformar-se (to accept/to resign oneself)

Adjectives

conforme (consistent/matching)

conformista (conformist)

conformado (resigned)

acordo

harmonia

norma

padrão

regra

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and legal writing; rare in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Em conformidade de as regras. → Em conformidade com as regras.
The preposition 'com' is required. Using 'de' is a common error for English speakers who might be thinking of 'in conformity OF' (though 'with' is also standard in English).
O projeto está em conformidade as leis. → O projeto está em conformidade com as leis.
Learners often forget the 'com' entirely, which makes the sentence ungrammatical. The locution must be complete.
Eu agi em conformidade com você. → Eu agi de acordo com você.
'Em conformidade com' is for rules and standards, not usually for people. Using it for a person sounds overly formal or strange.
Em conformidades com o pedido... → Em conformidade com o pedido...
The noun 'conformidade' should remain in the singular form within this fixed expression.
Em conformidade com à lei. → Em conformidade com a lei.
You cannot have a 'crase' (à) after 'com'. The 'crase' is a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the article 'a'. Since we are using 'com', there is no extra 'a' to contract with.

Tips

Email Professionalism

Start your formal emails with 'Em conformidade com a nossa conversa...' to instantly sound like a high-level professional.

Preposition check

Always pair 'conformidade' with 'com'. Never use 'de' or 'por' after it in this specific phrase.

Variety

In a long report, alternate between 'em conformidade com' and 'conforme' to keep the reader engaged.

Nasal Focus

Practice the words 'em' and 'com' together. They should both have a similar nasal resonance.

Corporate World

If you work in a bank or a law firm, this is one of the top 10 phrases you need to know.

Cognate Power

Remember that 'conformidade' is a cognate of 'conformity'. This makes it easier to remember the meaning.

Avoid Irony

Be careful using this with friends, as it might sound like you are being overly bossy or robotic.

Contract Reading

When reading a contract, look for this phrase to find your obligations and the standards you must meet.

Quality Control

In manufacturing, this phrase is used to indicate that a product has passed quality tests.

CELPE-Bras Tip

Using this phrase in the writing section of the CELPE-Bras exam will demonstrate a high level of formal register.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'CONformity' plus the word 'COMmunity'. You act in 'Conformidade COM' the community rules.

Visual Association

Imagine a puzzle piece fitting perfectly into a slot. The puzzle piece is your action, and the slot is the 'conformidade' with the rule.

Word Web

Lei Regra Contrato Norma Padrão Acordo Diretriz Instrução

Challenge

Write three sentences about your job using 'em conformidade com' to describe three different rules you must follow.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'conformitas', which means 'similarity in form'. It combines 'con-' (together) and 'formare' (to form).

Original meaning: The original meaning related to things having the same shape or form, which evolved into the abstract sense of following a pattern or rule.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it in casual social situations can make you sound arrogant or mockingly formal.

The phrase is very similar to 'in accordance with' or 'pursuant to' in English, which are also primarily used in formal or legal contexts.

The Brazilian Constitution uses various forms of this phrase to describe the hierarchy of laws. ISO standards in Portugal are always translated using 'conformidade'. Technical manuals for Brazilian companies like Embraer or Petrobras are filled with this phrase.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meetings

Estamos em conformidade com o prazo?
Isso está em conformidade com a política da empresa.
Precisamos agir em conformidade com os acionistas.
O projeto não está em conformidade com o orçamento.

Legal Documents

Em conformidade com o artigo 5º...
O contrato está em conformidade com a legislação.
Agi em conformidade com o mandado.
Declaro estar em conformidade com os termos.

Academic Writing

Em conformidade com a bibliografia citada...
A pesquisa foi feita em conformidade com a ética.
Citar em conformidade com as normas ABNT.
O texto está em conformidade com o tema proposto.

Technical Manuals

Instale em conformidade com o diagrama.
Use o produto em conformidade com as instruções.
Manutenção em conformidade com o fabricante.
Peças em conformidade com as especificações.

Government/Bureaucracy

Entregue o formulário em conformidade com o edital.
O pedido está em conformidade com os requisitos.
Atendimento em conformidade com a lei.
Processo em conformidade com o protocolo.

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que as novas regras da empresa estão em conformidade com o que foi prometido?"

"Como podemos garantir que o projeto esteja em conformidade com o orçamento inicial?"

"Na sua opinião, as leis atuais estão em conformidade com as necessidades da sociedade?"

"Você já teve problemas por não estar em conformidade com algum regulamento chato?"

"O seu trabalho exige que você aja sempre em conformidade com manuais muito rígidos?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um momento em que você teve que agir em conformidade com uma regra com a qual você não concordava.

Descreva como seria uma sociedade onde ninguém agisse em conformidade com as leis.

Reflita sobre a importância de estar em conformidade com os seus próprios valores pessoais.

Como você se sente quando vê uma empresa agindo em conformidade com normas ambientais apenas por marketing?

Escreva um diálogo formal entre um chefe e um funcionário sobre a conformidade de um relatório.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, no. You wouldn't say 'em conformidade com o João' unless João represents a set of rules or a specific request. Use 'de acordo com o João' instead.

It is sometimes used in older legal texts, but in modern Portuguese, 'em conformidade com' is the standard and preferred version. Avoid 'a' unless you are reading very old documents.

'De acordo com' is neutral and can be used for opinions, facts, and rules. 'Em conformidade com' is formal and almost exclusively used for rules, laws, and technical standards.

No, it stays singular in this fixed expression: 'em conformidade com'. Even if you are following multiple rules, it remains singular.

Yes, it is widely used in both countries, especially in legal, governmental, and corporate contexts. The meaning and usage are identical.

Only if you are being funny or if you are sending a very formal message to a client or boss. In a casual chat with friends, it would sound too stiff.

The most common way is 'não conformidade'. You can say 'O sistema apresenta uma não conformidade'.

The most common verbs are 'estar', 'agir', 'proceder', 'elaborar', 'executar', and 'fabricar'.

Technically, it is a 'locução prepositiva' (prepositional locution), which means a group of words that together act like a preposition.

No, because it uses the preposition 'com'. A 'crase' only happens with the preposition 'a'. So, 'em conformidade com a lei' has no accent.