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A2 adjective #10,000 most common 10 min read

estrondoso

Top 10,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips estrondoso in 30 Seconds

Explanation estrondoso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'estrondoso' as a very 'big' and 'loud' sound. Imagine the sound of a big drum or a very loud car. While you might not use this word every day yet, you can recognize it in stories when someone talks about a big storm. It comes from the word 'estrondo', which means a loud noise. Just remember: it is much more than just a little noise; it is a noise that surprises you! In simple sentences, you might see it describing 'um som' (a sound) or 'um trovão' (a thunder).

For A2 learners, 'estrondoso' is a useful word to describe things that are very successful or very loud. You are moving beyond simple adjectives like 'bom' (good) or 'alto' (loud). If a movie is a 'sucesso estrondoso', it means everyone is talking about it and it made a lot of money. When using it, remember that it must change to 'estrondosa' if the noun is feminine, like 'uma vitória estrondosa' (a resounding victory). It is a great word to use when you want to show more emotion in your descriptions of events or nature.

At the B1 level, you should start using 'estrondoso' to add flavor to your narratives. Instead of saying 'houve um barulho muito forte', you can say 'ouviu-se um barulho estrondoso'. This shows you have a better grasp of descriptive Portuguese. You will also notice it in news articles about the economy or politics, such as 'a queda estrondosa das ações' (the resounding fall of stocks). It implies a certain level of drama and impact. You can also use it to describe people's reactions, like 'um aplauso estrondoso' at the end of a performance.

B2 students should be comfortable with the metaphorical uses of 'estrondoso'. It is a common word in journalistic and academic Portuguese to describe significant impacts or results. You should be able to distinguish it from its synonyms like 'retumbante' or 'atroador'. For example, you might use 'estrondoso' to describe the impact of a new law or a social movement. It conveys a sense of scale and undeniably large consequences. In your writing, use it to emphasize that an event was not just significant, but that it 'made waves' across society.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the stylistic weight of 'estrondoso'. It is often used in literature to create atmosphere or to emphasize the gravity of a situation. You might encounter it in oxymorons like 'um silêncio estrondoso', which describes a silence so heavy and expectant that it feels as loud as a roar. You should be able to use it with precision, choosing it over 'barulhento' to signify power and majesty rather than just annoyance. It is a word that belongs in your formal oratory and high-level descriptive essays.

For C2 speakers, 'estrondoso' is a tool for nuanced expression. You understand its etymological roots in the Latin 'extonare' and how that history informs its modern usage. You can use it to describe complex phenomena, such as the 'colapso estrondoso' of a philosophical theory or the 'ressonância estrondosa' of a historical event centuries later. At this level, you use the word not just for its meaning, but for its phonetic impact—the way the rolling 'r' and the nasal 'on' mirror the very concept of a resounding, powerful force.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

estrondoso in 30 Seconds

Estrondoso means extremely loud or thunderous in a literal sense.
It is very commonly used to describe a massive success (sucesso estrondoso).
The word must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
It is more formal and dramatic than the common word 'barulhento'.

The Portuguese word estrondoso is a powerful adjective that transcends simple descriptions of volume. At its core, it refers to something that produces an estrondo (a roar, a crash, or a thunderous noise). However, its application in modern Portuguese is multifaceted, bridging the gap between literal acoustics and metaphorical impact. When you encounter this word, think of something that doesn't just happen quietly; it demands attention through its sheer force or scale.

Literal Auditory Usage: In its most basic sense, it describes sounds that are deafening or resonant. A thunderclap during a summer storm in the Alentejo is estrondoso. The collapse of an old building or the sound of a massive wave hitting the cliffs of Nazaré fits this description perfectly. It implies a sound that vibrates in the chest of the listener.

O trovão estrondoso acordou toda a vizinhança durante a madrugada fria.

Metaphorical Success: Perhaps the most frequent way you will hear this word in Portuguese media is in the context of achievement. A 'sucesso estrondoso' (thundering success) is the standard way to describe a blockbuster movie, a sold-out concert, or a political landslide. It suggests that the success was so great that it made a 'noise' in society, leaving no doubt about its magnitude.

A nova peça de teatro foi um sucesso estrondoso, com bilhetes esgotados por meses.

Furthermore, the word carries a connotation of suddenness. An estrondo is rarely a long, lingering drone; it is a sharp, impactful event. Therefore, something estrondoso usually has a definitive beginning that shocks the senses or the public consciousness. Whether it is the 'queda estrondosa' (resounding fall) of a stock market index or the 'gargalhada estrondosa' (boisterous laugh) of a jovial friend at a dinner party, the word emphasizes the intensity of the moment. It is an adjective of high energy and undeniable presence.

Emotional Resonance: When describing emotions or reactions, 'estrondoso' elevates the sentiment. An 'aplauso estrondoso' (thunderous applause) isn't just polite clapping; it is a standing ovation where the sound fills every corner of the auditorium. It implies a collective, powerful response from a crowd.

O discurso terminou com um aplauso estrondoso de todos os presentes.

In summary, 'estrondoso' is your go-to word when 'loud' is too weak and 'big' is too generic. It captures the essence of a roar—both physical and metaphorical. It is the adjective of the spectacular, the noisy, and the undeniably successful. When you use it, you are signaling that the subject is of significant importance and has made a lasting, audible, or social impact.

Using estrondoso correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese adjective agreement and its typical placement in a sentence. As an adjective ending in '-o', it must change to match the gender and number of the noun it modifies. This flexibility allows it to describe a wide variety of phenomena, from singular masculine events to plural feminine reactions.

Gender and Number Agreement: The four forms are: estrondoso (masculine singular), estrondosa (feminine singular), estrondosos (masculine plural), and estrondosas (feminine plural). For example, 'um sucesso estrondoso' vs. 'uma vitória estrondosa'.

As gargalhadas estrondosas das crianças ecoavam pelo parque.

In terms of placement, 'estrondoso' almost always follows the noun it describes. While some Portuguese adjectives can shift to the front for poetic emphasis, 'estrondoso' is so heavy in its meaning that placing it after the noun provides the necessary rhythmic punch. It serves as the 'exclamation point' of the noun phrase.

Common Noun Pairings: It is frequently paired with nouns related to sound (som, ruído, barulho, trovão, aplauso), success (sucesso, vitória, triunfo), or sudden events (queda, colapso, explosão). Using it with abstract nouns like 'silêncio' (silêncio estrondoso - a thundering silence) creates a powerful oxymoron often used in literature.

Houve um silêncio estrondoso na sala após a revelação do segredo.

When constructing complex sentences, 'estrondoso' can be modified by adverbs to intensify or mitigate its meaning. You might hear 'absolutamente estrondoso' (absolutely thundering) or 'quase estrondoso' (almost thundering). However, because the word itself is already quite intense, it rarely needs much help from other adverbs. It stands strong on its own as a descriptor of magnitude.

O impacto da notícia foi estrondoso em todo o país.

Usage in Different Tenses: Whether you are speaking in the past (foi estrondoso), present (é estrondoso), or future (será estrondoso), the adjective remains a stable way to project importance. In storytelling, it is often used in the 'Pretérito Perfeito' to mark a specific, loud moment that changed the course of the narrative.

O som estrondoso das máquinas não nos deixava dormir.

Finally, consider the rhythm of the word. With four syllables (es-tron-do-so), it has a heavy, rolling cadence that mimics the very sound it describes. Using it at the end of a clause allows that cadence to resonate, making your Portuguese sound more natural and expressive. It is a word that demands to be spoken with a bit of energy and volume itself.

Understanding the context where estrondoso appears will help you move from classroom Portuguese to real-world fluency. This is not a word you use to describe a slightly loud TV; it is reserved for events that have 'weight'.

1. News and Journalism: You will frequently find 'estrondoso' in headlines. Journalists love it because it is dramatic. You'll read about an 'estrondoso fracasso' (resounding failure) of a government policy or an 'estrondoso triunfo' of a national athlete. It adds a sense of historical importance to the reporting.

O jornal anunciou o estrondoso sucesso da nova startup tecnológica.

2. Sports Commentaries: Listen to a football match in Portugal or Brazil. When a player scores a spectacular goal from far away, the commentator might call it a 'golo estrondoso'. It describes both the sound of the ball hitting the net and the metaphorical impact of the goal on the match.

A vitória da seleção foi estrondosa, garantindo a taça.

3. Literature and Storytelling: Portuguese literature, from Eça de Queirós to modern novelists, uses 'estrondoso' to set a scene. It is perfect for describing a dramatic entrance, a sudden revelation, or the chaotic environment of a busy city square. It evokes the 'fragor' (din) of life.

Naquela noite, um grito estrondoso cortou o silêncio da floresta.

In everyday conversation, you might use it less frequently than 'barulhento' (noisy), but when you do use it, it shows a higher level of vocabulary. If you are describing a concert you went to, saying 'o som estava estrondoso' implies it was epic, not just loud. If you are talking about a friend's career promotion, 'foi um sucesso estrondoso' sounds much more celebratory and impressive than 'foi bom'.

4. Weather and Nature: Meteorologists or locals describing a storm will use this word to describe thunder or the sound of an avalanche. It conveys the raw, untamed power of nature that humans cannot control.

As ondas estrondosas batiam contra o paredão do porto.

In summary, you hear this word where there is drama, power, and scale. It is a word of the 'big stage'—whether that stage is a stadium, a newspaper front page, or a stormy sky. Using it marks you as a speaker who understands the nuances of intensity in the Portuguese language.

While estrondoso is a fantastic word to have in your arsenal, English speakers often stumble on its nuances. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when incorporating it into your Portuguese.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Barulhento': 'Barulhento' means 'noisy' in a general, often annoying way (like a noisy neighbor or a noisy toy). 'Estrondoso' refers to a singular, powerful, or grand noise. Calling a crying baby 'estrondoso' would be an exaggeration; 'barulhento' is the correct choice there. Use 'estrondoso' for things that shake the ground or the soul.

Errado: O meu vizinho é muito estrondoso. (Unless he literally sounds like thunder).
Correto: O meu vizinho é muito barulhento.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for Minor Successes: Because 'estrondoso' is such a high-intensity word, using it for small wins can sound sarcastic or non-native. If you find a five-euro bill on the street, it's not an 'estrondoso sucesso'. Save the word for things that are truly remarkable, like winning the lottery or a major sports championship.

Correto: A invenção da internet foi um sucesso estrondoso.

Mistake 3: Forgetting Gender Agreement: This is a classic learner error. Since many English speakers are used to adjectives not changing, they might say 'uma vitória estrondoso'. Always remember that 'vitória' is feminine, so it must be 'vitória estrondosa'.

Errado: A queda foi estrondoso.
Correto: A queda foi estrondosa.

Mistake 4: Confusing with 'Forte': 'Forte' means 'strong' and can describe a sound (um som forte). However, 'estrondoso' adds a layer of 'crashing' or 'thundering'. A strong smell is 'um cheiro forte', never 'um cheiro estrondoso'. 'Estrondoso' is almost exclusively for sound or metaphorical impact, not for physical strength or smells.

By being mindful of these distinctions, you can use 'estrondoso' with the confidence of a native speaker. It is a word that requires a certain level of 'drama' to be used correctly, so don't be afraid to use it when the situation truly warrants a big, bold descriptor.

Portuguese is a rich language with many ways to describe intensity. If you want to vary your vocabulary beyond estrondoso, consider these alternatives, each with its own specific flavor.

Atroador: This word comes from 'trovão' (thunder) and specifically means 'deafening'. It is often used for sounds that are so loud they make your ears ring. While 'estrondoso' suggests a roar, 'atroador' suggests a sound that overwhelms the senses.
Retumbante: This is the closest synonym to 'estrondoso' in metaphorical contexts. A 'vitória retumbante' is exactly the same as a 'vitória estrondosa'. It comes from 'retumbar' (to echo or resound). It sounds slightly more formal and elegant.

A sua resposta foi um não retumbante.

Fragoroso: Used mostly in literature, this describes a noise that is full of 'fragor' (clatter or din). It is often used for the sound of waterfalls or breaking waves. It has a more poetic, rhythmic quality than the more common 'estrondoso'.

Ouvia-se o som fragoroso da cascata à distância.

Ruidoso: A more common, everyday word for 'noisy'. It is less dramatic than 'estrondoso'. You might describe a 'festa ruidosa' (noisy party) or a 'motor ruidoso' (noisy engine). It doesn't imply the same level of power or awe.

When choosing between these words, consider the effect you want to achieve. If you want to emphasize the sheer volume and shock, go with estrondoso. If you want to sound more literary, try fragoroso. If you are describing a resounding success in a formal report, retumbante is a sophisticated choice. Knowing these alternatives allows you to paint a more precise picture with your Portuguese, tailoring your language to the specific 'sound' of the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Latin root 'tonare' is also the ancestor of the English word 'thunder' and 'astonish' (which originally meant to be struck by thunder).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɨʃ.tɾõ.ˈdo.zu/

US /es.tɾõ.ˈdo.zu/

The stress is on the third syllable: es-tron-DO-so.

Rhymes With

Amoroso Bondoso Curioso Duvidoso Famoso Gostoso Orgulhoso Poderoso

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as a hard 'z' at the start of the word.
Forgetting to nasalize the 'on' sound.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a clear 'oh' instead of a soft 'oo' (in Portugal).
Putting the stress on the 'tron' syllable.
Making the 'r' sound like an English 'r' instead of a tapped Portuguese 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context as it looks like 'thunder' or 'resounding'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering gender and number agreement correctly.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'on' and the 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

The word is very distinct and easy to hear in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Som Grande Forte Sucesso Barulho

Learn Next

Atroador Retumbante Fragoroso Impactante Sensacional

Advanced

Estrepitoso Clamoroso Vibrante Magnânimo

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

O sucesso (masc) é estrondoso. A vitória (fem) é estrondosa.

Nasal Vowels

The 'on' in 'estrondoso' is a nasal vowel, produced by letting air escape through the nose.

Adjective Placement

Usually follows the noun: 'Um som estrondoso'.

Pluralization of Adjectives

Add 's' to the end: estrondosos, estrondosas.

Superlative Construction

Estrondosíssimo (Very, very thundering).

Examples by Level

O som foi estrondoso.

The sound was thundering.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Eu ouvi um barulho estrondoso.

I heard a thundering noise.

Adjective follows the noun 'barulho'.

O trovão é estrondoso.

The thunder is thundering.

Used with 'ser' for a characteristic.

Que sucesso estrondoso!

What a thundering success!

Exclamatory sentence.

O carro fez um barulho estrondoso.

The car made a thundering noise.

Verb 'fazer' used for sounds.

A queda foi estrondosa.

The fall was thundering.

Feminine agreement with 'queda'.

Um aplauso estrondoso para ele.

A thundering applause for him.

Common collocation.

O mar está estrondoso hoje.

The sea is thundering today.

Used with 'estar' for a temporary state.

O filme foi um sucesso estrondoso no cinema.

The movie was a resounding success at the cinema.

Describing a successful event.

A notícia teve um impacto estrondoso.

The news had a resounding impact.

Used with 'ter' to show impact.

As ondas estrondosas batiam nas rochas.

The thundering waves hit the rocks.

Plural feminine agreement.

Houve uma gargalhada estrondosa na sala.

There was a boisterous laugh in the room.

Describing a human reaction.

O concerto terminou com um som estrondoso.

The concert ended with a thundering sound.

Prepositional phrase 'com um som'.

A vitória da equipa foi estrondosa.

The team's victory was resounding.

Feminine singular agreement.

Eles ouviram um estrondo estrondoso vindo da rua.

They heard a thundering crash coming from the street.

Redundant but emphatic usage.

O vulcão teve uma explosão estrondosa.

The volcano had a thundering explosion.

Scientific/natural context.

O fracasso do projeto foi estrondoso e inesperado.

The project's failure was resounding and unexpected.

Using two adjectives to describe a noun.

A cantora recebeu um aplauso estrondoso do público.

The singer received thunderous applause from the audience.

Indirect object 'do público'.

O silêncio que se seguiu foi estrondoso.

The silence that followed was resounding.

Metaphorical use with 'silêncio'.

A empresa anunciou lucros estrondosos este ano.

The company announced resounding profits this year.

Plural masculine agreement.

O bater das asas era estrondoso no pequeno quarto.

The flapping of wings was thundering in the small room.

Subject is 'O bater' (the act of hitting/flapping).

A sua entrada na festa foi estrondosa.

Their entrance to the party was resounding.

Describing a dramatic arrival.

O motor do avião fazia um ruído estrondoso.

The plane's engine was making a thundering noise.

Imperfect tense 'fazia' for ongoing sound.

A revelação causou um escândalo estrondoso.

The revelation caused a resounding scandal.

Abstract noun 'escândalo'.

A queda do muro foi um evento estrondoso na história.

The fall of the wall was a resounding event in history.

Historical context.

O político sofreu uma derrota estrondosa nas eleições.

The politician suffered a resounding defeat in the elections.

Political vocabulary.

O impacto ambiental da obra será estrondoso.

The environmental impact of the work will be resounding.

Future tense 'será'.

A orquestra tocou com um vigor estrondoso.

The orchestra played with thundering vigor.

Describing the quality of an action.

O livro teve uma receção estrondosa pela crítica.

The book had a resounding reception by the critics.

Passive-like structure with 'receção'.

As gargalhadas eram tão estrondosas que se ouviam na rua.

The laughs were so thundering that they could be heard in the street.

Consecutive clause with 'tão... que'.

O colapso da ponte foi estrondoso e trágico.

The collapse of the bridge was thundering and tragic.

Describing a disaster.

A marca lançou uma campanha publicitária estrondosa.

The brand launched a resounding advertising campaign.

Marketing context.

A prosa do autor possui um ritmo estrondoso e cativante.

The author's prose possesses a thundering and captivating rhythm.

Literary analysis.

O silêncio estrondoso da multidão denunciava a sua desaprovação.

The crowd's thundering silence betrayed their disapproval.

Oxymoron usage.

A descoberta científica teve um eco estrondoso na comunidade.

The scientific discovery had a resounding echo in the community.

Metaphorical 'eco' (echo).

O seu riso estrondoso preenchia o vazio daquela casa antiga.

Their thundering laughter filled the void of that old house.

Descriptive narrative style.

Houve um estrondoso bater de portas que assustou os convidados.

There was a thundering slamming of doors that frightened the guests.

Adjective placed before the noun for emphasis.

A crise financeira resultou numa queda estrondosa do PIB.

The financial crisis resulted in a resounding drop in GDP.

Economic terminology.

A peça de teatro foi recebida com um aplauso estrondoso e demorado.

The play was received with thundering and prolonged applause.

Coordinated adjectives.

A natureza manifestou-se de forma estrondosa durante o sismo.

Nature manifested itself in a thundering way during the earthquake.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma estrondosa'.

A vacuidade do discurso era mascarada por uma retórica estrondosa.

The emptiness of the speech was masked by thundering rhetoric.

Advanced abstract vocabulary.

O estrondoso fragor das máquinas simbolizava a Revolução Industrial.

The thundering din of the machines symbolized the Industrial Revolution.

Historical symbolism.

A sua ausência foi mais estrondosa do que qualquer palavra dita.

Their absence was more resounding than any word spoken.

Comparative structure with abstract concepts.

O impacto daquela decisão será estrondoso nas gerações vindouras.

The impact of that decision will be resounding in future generations.

Temporal scope.

O filme rompe com a tradição de forma estrondosa e vanguardista.

The film breaks with tradition in a resounding and avant-garde way.

Artistic critique.

O sucesso estrondoso da obra obscureceu os seus defeitos técnicos.

The work's resounding success obscured its technical flaws.

Complex causal relationship.

A sinfonia culminou num acorde estrondoso que fez vibrar o auditório.

The symphony culminated in a thundering chord that made the auditorium vibrate.

Musical description.

A queda estrondosa do império foi documentada por vários cronistas.

The resounding fall of the empire was documented by several chroniclers.

Formal historical reporting.

Common Collocations

Sucesso estrondoso

Aplauso estrondoso

Trovão estrondoso

Vitória estrondosa

Queda estrondosa

Gargalhada estrondosa

Ruído estrondoso

Fracasso estrondoso

Som estrondoso

Impacto estrondoso

Common Phrases

Com um estrondo estrondoso

— With a very loud crash. Used for emphasis.

A porta fechou-se com um estrondo estrondoso.

Fazer um barulho estrondoso

— To make a thundering noise.

A máquina começou a fazer um barulho estrondoso.

De forma estrondosa

— In a resounding way.

Ele venceu a corrida de forma estrondosa.

Ter um efeito estrondoso

— To have a massive effect.

A nova lei teve um efeito estrondoso na economia.

Um silêncio estrondoso

— A heavy, meaningful silence.

Ficou um silêncio estrondoso na sala.

Uma risada estrondosa

— A loud, hearty laugh.

Ela tem uma risada estrondosa que todos reconhecem.

Anunciar com estrondo

— To announce something in a big way (related to estrondoso).

O governo anunciou a medida com grande estrondo.

Um eco estrondoso

— A resounding echo.

A notícia teve um eco estrondoso na imprensa.

Um choque estrondoso

— A massive shock or collision.

Houve um choque estrondoso entre os dois carros.

Uma ovação estrondosa

— A standing ovation (thunderous).

O pianista foi recebido com uma ovação estrondosa.

Often Confused With

estrondoso vs Barulhento

Barulhento is for general noise; estrondoso is for powerful or grand noise.

estrondoso vs Forte

Forte is general strength; estrondoso is specifically for 'crashing' sounds or impacts.

estrondoso vs Espantoso

Espantoso means amazing/surprising, while estrondoso emphasizes the noise or power.

Idioms & Expressions

"Fazer um estrondo"

— To cause a sensation or to be very successful.

A nova aplicação vai fazer um estrondo no mercado.

Informal/Neutral

"Cair com estrondo"

— To fail miserably or to fall loudly.

O ministro caiu com estrondo após o escândalo.

Neutral

"Entrar com estrondo"

— To make a dramatic or impressive entrance.

Ela entrou com estrondo na política nacional.

Neutral

"Silêncio estrondoso"

— When the lack of sound or reaction is very noticeable.

O silêncio estrondoso dos vizinhos era suspeito.

Literary/Journalistic

"Sucesso de estrondo"

— A massive, sudden success.

O livro foi um sucesso de estrondo.

Neutral

"Dar o estrondo"

— To cause a big fight or a big scene (slangy).

Quando ela soube a verdade, deu o estrondo.

Informal

"A todo o estrondo"

— At full volume or with maximum impact.

A festa continuava a todo o estrondo.

Informal

"Com pompa e estrondo"

— With great fanfare and noise.

O evento foi inaugurado com pompa e estrondo.

Formal

"Vencer com estrondo"

— To win by a large margin or impressively.

O Benfica venceu com estrondo o último jogo.

Neutral

"Ruído de estrondo"

— A sound that indicates something significant is happening.

Houve um ruído de estrondo e as luzes apagaram-se.

Neutral

Easily Confused

estrondoso vs Estridente

Both describe loud sounds.

Estridente is high-pitched and piercing (like a whistle), while estrondoso is low-pitched and thundering.

Um grito estridente vs. um trovão estrondoso.

estrondoso vs Estrepitoso

Very similar meaning and root.

Estrepitoso is more formal and often used for 'noisy' in a chaotic or scandalous way.

Uma queda estrepitosa.

estrondoso vs Atroador

Both mean very loud.

Atroador focuses on the deafness caused by the sound; estrondoso focuses on the roar itself.

O som atroador das máquinas.

estrondoso vs Fragoroso

Both describe crashing sounds.

Fragoroso is more literary and specifically used for breaking things (waves, glass).

O bater fragoroso das ondas.

estrondoso vs Retumbante

Commonly used for success.

Retumbante implies an echo or a lasting resonance; estrondoso implies a sudden roar.

Uma vitória retumbante.

Sentence Patterns

O [Noun] é estrondoso.

O trovão é estrondoso.

Foi um [Noun] estrondoso.

Foi um sucesso estrondoso.

Houve uma [Noun] estrondosa.

Houve uma queda estrondosa.

Apesar do [Noun] estrondoso...

Apesar do barulho estrondoso, eu dormi.

[Noun] de um impacto estrondoso.

Uma decisão de um impacto estrondoso.

O que parecia ser [Noun] revelou-se estrondoso.

O que parecia ser um pequeno erro revelou-se estrondoso.

[Noun] + [Adjective] + e + estrondoso.

Um som alto e estrondoso.

Receber um [Noun] estrondoso.

Receber um aplauso estrondoso.

Word Family

Nouns

Estrondo (the crash/noise)

Estrondamento (the act of making noise)

Verbs

Estrondar (to make a thundering noise)

Estrondecêr (to start making noise)

Adjectives

Estrondoso (thundering)

Estrondante (resounding)

Trovão

Ruído

Barulho

Sucesso

Fragor

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and dramatic storytelling.

Common Mistakes

O som foi muito estrondoso. → O som foi estrondoso.
'Estrondoso' is already an extreme adjective. Adding 'muito' (very) is often redundant, though not grammatically wrong.
Uma vitória estrondoso. → Uma vitória estrondosa.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun. 'Vitória' is feminine.
A criança é estrondosa. → A criança é barulhenta.
'Estrondoso' is usually for events or specific sounds, not for a person's general character.
O cheiro é estrondoso. → O cheiro é forte.
'Estrondoso' is for sound and impact, not for smell or taste.
Eles fizeram um estrondoso. → Eles fizeram um estrondo.
Use the noun 'estrondo' after the verb 'fazer' if you aren't using another noun.

Tips

Use for Success

Whenever you want to say something was a 'huge hit', use 'sucesso estrondoso'. It sounds very native.

Check the Noun

Always check if the noun is feminine. Beginners often forget to say 'estrondosa' for 'vitória'.

Nasalize the 'on'

Don't say 'on' like in English 'on'. It's a nasal sound where the 'n' is not fully pronounced.

Literal vs Metaphorical

Remember it works for both a literal bomb and a metaphorical blockbuster movie.

News Keywords

In news broadcasts, 'estrondoso' usually precedes a very important piece of information.

Nature Sounds

Use it when describing the ocean or a storm to sound more descriptive and poetic.

Estrondoso vs Alto

Use 'alto' for a TV volume, but 'estrondoso' for a jet engine.

Oxymorons

Try using 'silêncio estrondoso' in a story to describe a tense moment.

Complimenting

You can use it to compliment someone's performance: 'Tiveste um desempenho estrondoso!'

Think of Thunder

The root 'estrond-' is visually and aurally linked to 'trovão' (thunder) in many learners' minds.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Estrondoso' as 'Extra-Thunder-Oso'. It's when something is so loud it's like an extra thunder.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant drum (estrondo) being hit by a giant (oso) making a huge sound wave.

Word Web

Trovão Sucesso Som Queda Vitória Barulho Impacto Aplauso

Challenge

Try to use 'estrondoso' today to describe the best thing that happened to you this week.

Word Origin

Derived from the Portuguese noun 'estrondo', which comes from the Latin 'extonare'.

Original meaning: To thunder out or to make a sound like thunder.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it for tragic events unless you want to emphasize the horrific scale of the noise/impact (e.g., an explosion).

The closest English equivalent is 'resounding' or 'thunderous'. 'Resounding' is better for successes, while 'thunderous' is better for sounds.

The term is often used in Portuguese sports newspapers like 'A Bola' to describe big wins. Used in classical Portuguese literature to describe the power of the Atlantic Ocean. Commonly found in political speeches to describe 'estrondosas vitórias' (landslide victories).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

Trovão estrondoso
Tempestade estrondosa
Som estrondoso da chuva
Vento estrondoso

Business

Sucesso estrondoso
Fracasso estrondoso
Queda estrondosa
Crescimento estrondoso

Entertainment

Aplauso estrondoso
Estreia estrondosa
Concerto estrondoso
Voz estrondosa

Daily Life

Barulho estrondoso
Gargalhada estrondosa
Queda estrondosa de objetos
Pancada estrondosa

Sports

Vitória estrondosa
Golo estrondoso
Derrota estrondosa
Apoio estrondoso

Conversation Starters

"Já ouviste falar do sucesso estrondoso daquele novo restaurante no centro?"

"Achas que o barulho estrondoso das obras vai durar muito tempo?"

"Viste a vitória estrondosa da nossa seleção no jogo de ontem?"

"O que farias se ouvisses um som estrondoso no meio da noite?"

"Qual foi o concerto mais estrondoso a que já assististe na vida?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve um momento na tua vida em que tiveste um sucesso estrondoso e como te sentiste.

Escreve sobre uma tempestade com trovões estrondosos que tenhas presenciado recentemente.

Reflete sobre o impacto estrondoso que a tecnologia tem na nossa vida quotidiana.

Descreve uma cena de um filme onde um som estrondoso tenha sido muito importante.

Se fosses um músico, que tipo de som estrondoso gostarias de criar para o teu público?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no, unless you are describing their voice (uma voz estrondosa) or their laugh (uma gargalhada estrondosa). You wouldn't say 'ele é um homem estrondoso' to mean he is loud; you would say 'ele é barulhento'.

It is common in both, but the pronunciation differs. In Brazil, the initial 'e' is more open, while in Portugal, it is very short. The metaphorical use for 'success' is universal.

The feminine plural is 'estrondosas'. For example: 'As vitórias foram estrondosas'.

Yes, absolutely. You can have an 'estrondoso fracasso' (resounding failure) or a 'queda estrondosa' (thundering fall).

Yes, the verb is 'estrondar', meaning to make a loud, thundering noise, but it is less common than the adjective.

You say 'um aplauso estrondoso'. It is one of the most common collocations for this word.

It means 'extremely loud' or 'thunderous'. 'Alto' is the basic word for 'loud'.

No, 'estrondoso' is for sound and impact. For a 'loud' or bright color, you would use 'vivo', 'forte', or 'chamativo'.

It is neutral to formal. You will see it in newspapers and books, but people also use it in enthusiastic conversation.

The noun is 'estrondo', which means a crash, a roar, or a loud bang.