This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 adjective 16 min read

evidente

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips evidente in 30 Seconds

Explanation evidente in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'evidente' often, but it's helpful to recognize it because it looks like the English word 'evident'. At this stage, you would usually use the word 'claro' (clear) to say something is obvious. For example, instead of 'é evidente', an A1 student might say 'é claro'. However, if you see 'evidente' in a simple sentence like 'O erro é evidente', you can understand it means the mistake is very easy to see. Remember that 'evidente' is the same for men and women, so you don't have to worry about changing the ending to 'o' or 'a'. Just focus on the fact that it means 'obvious' or 'very clear'. It is a 'friend' word because it is so similar to English.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'evidente' in simple sentences to describe things that are easy to notice. You might use it to talk about people's feelings or simple facts. For example, 'A alegria dela é evidente' (Her joy is evident). You should also learn the plural form, 'evidentes', for when you talk about more than one thing: 'Os problemas são evidentes'. At this level, you are beginning to move beyond the most basic words like 'bom' or 'claro', and 'evidente' is a great way to sound a bit more descriptive. You might also hear the phrase 'É evidente que...', which means 'It is clear that...'. Try using this to start a simple sentence about something you are sure of.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'evidente' in both spoken and written Portuguese. You can use it to build simple arguments. For instance, when discussing a topic in class, you might say, 'É evidente que precisamos proteger o meio ambiente'. You are now learning that 'evidente' carries more weight than 'claro'—it sounds more certain and a bit more formal. You should also be able to use it with different verbs, like 'tornar-se' (to become). 'O resultado tornou-se evidente depois de uma hora'. This shows you can describe how things change. You should also start noticing the difference between the adjective 'evidente' and the adverb 'evidentemente' (evidently/obviously) in texts you read.

At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you should use 'evidente' to provide logical structure to your speech and writing. You should understand that 'evidente' is a uniform adjective (it doesn't change for gender) and that it is followed by the indicative mood in 'É evidente que...' constructions because it expresses certainty. You should be able to distinguish 'evidente' from synonyms like 'óbvio' (more emphatic/informal) and 'notório' (well-known/formal). At this level, you use 'evidente' in professional or academic contexts to introduce facts that are indisputable. You are also aware of the stylistic choice of placing 'evidente' before or after a noun to change the emphasis of your sentence.

For C1 learners, 'evidente' is a basic tool used with precision. You should be able to use it in complex rhetorical structures and understand its nuances in legal, political, or scientific texts. You might use it to contrast with things that are 'subtil' (subtle) or 'implícito' (implicit). At this level, you can also use related words like 'evidenciar' (a verb meaning to make evident or to highlight). You should be able to identify when 'evidente' is being used sarcastically in high-level literature or sophisticated conversation. Your vocabulary should also include more advanced synonyms like 'patente', 'manifesto', and 'flagrante', and you should know exactly when to use 'evidente' instead of these more specialized terms.

At the C2 level, 'evidente' is used with complete native-like mastery of register and irony. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and can appreciate its use in classical Portuguese literature. You can use 'evidente' to construct flawless, persuasive arguments in any context, from a formal legal defense to a philosophical essay. You are also aware of the regional differences in how the word is used across the Lusophone world (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, etc.). At this stage, you might use 'evidente' as a starting point to explore deeper philosophical questions about 'evidência' (evidence/obviousness) and truth, using the word as a precision instrument in your linguistic toolkit.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

evidente in 30 Seconds

The word 'evidente' means clear, obvious, or manifest. It is used for things that are easily seen or understood by everyone involved.
It is a uniform adjective, meaning it stays as 'evidente' for both masculine and feminine nouns, but changes to 'evidentes' in the plural.
Commonly used in the phrase 'É evidente que...', which is followed by the indicative mood because it expresses a high level of certainty.
While similar to 'claro' and 'óbvio', 'evidente' is slightly more formal and is preferred in academic, legal, and professional writing.

The word evidente is a powerful adjective in the Portuguese language that functions as a bridge between simple observation and formal logical deduction. At its core, it describes something that is so clear, plain, or manifest that it requires no further proof or explanation. When you describe a situation, a fact, or a feeling as evidente, you are asserting that any reasonable person looking at the same evidence would reach the same conclusion. It carries a weight of certainty that words like 'provável' (probable) or 'possível' (possible) lack. It is a cognate of the English word 'evident', making it relatively easy for English speakers to grasp, yet its usage nuances in Portuguese are vital for achieving a B2 level of fluency.

Logical Certainty: Used in arguments to denote that a conclusion follows naturally from the premises provided. It is the hallmark of a sound deduction.

In everyday conversation, evidente is frequently employed to emphasize the obviousness of a state of affairs. If someone asks if it is raining while you are both standing in a downpour, you might respond with a slightly sarcastic 'É evidente que sim!' (It is obviously so!). However, beyond sarcasm, it serves a crucial role in academic and professional writing. In these contexts, it is used to introduce facts that serve as the foundation for more complex theories. For instance, a scientist might state that the correlation between two variables is evidente after presenting a clear graph of data. This usage signals to the reader that the following points are built upon a solid, indisputable base.

O descontentamento da população tornou-se evidente após o anúncio das novas medidas econômicas.

One of the most interesting aspects of evidente is its grammatical stability. Unlike many Portuguese adjectives that change their ending based on the gender of the noun they modify (like 'bonito' and 'bonita'), evidente is a uniform adjective. It ends in 'e', meaning it remains the same whether the subject is masculine or feminine. 'O erro é evidente' (The mistake is evident) and 'A falha é evidente' (The flaw is evident) both use the exact same form. This makes it a 'safe' word for learners, though one must still remember to pluralize it to evidentes when referring to multiple items, such as 'Os resultados são evidentes'.

Visual Clarity: Refers to things that can be seen physically without effort, such as a stain on a white shirt or a bright light in the dark.

Furthermore, the word is often paired with the conjunction 'que' to form the impersonal expression 'É evidente que...'. This is a staple of Portuguese discourse, used to introduce a clause that the speaker considers a factual certainty. It functions similarly to 'It is clear that...' or 'It goes without saying that...'. When using this structure, the verb in the following clause usually stays in the indicative mood because you are stating a fact, not a doubt or a wish. For example: 'É evidente que eles não virão' (It is evident that they will not come). This subtle grammatical choice reinforces the sense of absolute certainty conveyed by the adjective itself.

Era evidente para todos que a empresa precisava de uma reestruturação urgente.

In summary, evidente is more than just a synonym for 'obvious'. It is a tool for building logical frameworks, expressing undeniable truths, and adding a layer of formal authority to your speech. Whether you are pointing out a physical reality or a complex logical conclusion, this word provides the necessary clarity and weight. By mastering its use, you move away from basic descriptions and toward a more nuanced, persuasive style of communication in Portuguese.

Social Nuance: In social settings, calling something 'evidente' can sometimes be perceived as assertive or even slightly dismissive if the other person hasn't realized it yet. Use with care in sensitive debates.

As melhorias na saúde pública são evidentes nos dados estatísticos deste ano.

Using evidente correctly requires an understanding of its syntactic roles: as a predicative adjective (following a verb like 'ser' or 'ficar'), as an attributive adjective (modifying a noun directly), and as part of impersonal expressions. Because it is a uniform adjective, your primary concern is whether the subject is singular or plural. Let's explore the various ways to integrate this word into your Portuguese repertoire, ensuring your sentences sound natural and grammatically precise.

The Predicative Use: This is the most common construction, where 'evidente' follows a linking verb to describe a subject. For example: 'A solução é evidente' (The solution is evident). Here, 'evidente' describes 'a solução'.

When using the predicative form, the verb ser (to be) is most frequent, but other verbs like tornar-se (to become) or ficar (to stay/become) are often used to show a change in state. 'O cansaço dele tornou-se evidente' implies that his tiredness wasn't always obvious, but now it is. This adds a dynamic element to your descriptions, allowing you to narrate how clarity emerges over time or through specific actions. Note that 'evidente' does not change for gender: 'O problema é evidente' (masculine) and 'A questão é evidente' (feminine) are both correct.

Ficou evidente que ninguém tinha lido o relatório antes da reunião começar.

Another crucial structure is the impersonal construction 'É evidente que...'. This is used to state a fact that is self-explanatory. It is important to remember that after 'É evidente que', we almost always use the Indicative Mood, not the Subjunctive. This is because 'evidente' expresses certainty. If you say 'É evidente que ele sabe', you are stating a known fact. In contrast, phrases expressing doubt like 'É possível que...' would trigger the subjunctive ('É possível que ele saiba'). Mastering this distinction is a key marker of advanced Portuguese proficiency.

Attributive Placement: Placing 'evidente' after a noun to modify it directly. For example: 'Um erro evidente' (An evident error). This is slightly more formal than saying 'O erro é evidente'.

In more literary or formal contexts, you might see evidente placed before the noun for stylistic emphasis, though this is less common. 'A evidente falta de interesse' (The evident lack of interest) places the emphasis on the quality of being obvious before mentioning the lack of interest itself. This inversion is a sophisticated rhetorical device that can make your writing more evocative and rhythmic. However, for everyday communication, placing the adjective after the noun is the standard and safest choice.

Ele ignorou os sinais evidentes de que o projeto iria falhar miseravelmente.

Finally, consider the use of evidente in negative or interrogative sentences. 'Não é evidente que...' can be used to challenge someone's assumption that something is obvious. 'É evidente para você?' (Is it evident to you?) is a way to check for shared understanding. These variations allow you to use the word not just to state facts, but to negotiate meaning and consensus within a conversation. It becomes a tool for dialogue, helping you navigate complex social and professional interactions with precision.

Por que isso não é evidente para o resto da equipe ainda?

Comparative and Superlative: To say something is 'more evident', use 'mais evidente'. For 'most evident', use 'o mais evidente'. Example: 'Esta é a prova mais evidente que temos'.

As consequências serão cada vez mais evidentes com o passar dos anos.

The word evidente is ubiquitous in the Lusophone world, appearing across a wide spectrum of communicative environments. While its roots are formal, its utility makes it a favorite in both high-brow intellectual discourse and standard daily news. Understanding where you are likely to encounter this word will help you tune your ear to its specific connotations and prepare you to use it appropriately in similar settings. From the courtrooms of Lisbon to the newsrooms of São Paulo, evidente is a linguistic staple.

The World of News and Journalism: Journalists use 'evidente' to report on observable trends or undeniable facts. You will hear it in phrases like 'A crise tornou-se evidente' or 'É evidente o aumento dos preços'.

In television news broadcasts, anchors and commentators frequently use evidente to summarize the state of affairs. It provides a sense of objectivity. By saying something is 'evidente', the reporter implies they are not just giving an opinion, but describing a reality that is visible to everyone. For example, during an election cycle, a political analyst might say, 'É evidente que o candidato precisa mudar sua estratégia' (It is evident that the candidate needs to change his strategy), based on recent polling data. This usage helps establish a professional, analytical tone that is characteristic of B2-level media consumption.

'É evidente que a economia está em recuperação', afirmou o Ministro das Finanças.

In academic and scientific circles, evidente is the language of proof. When reading research papers or attending university lectures in Portuguese, you will encounter it in the presentation of results. Scientists use it to point out clear patterns in data. 'Os resultados tornam evidente a eficácia do novo medicamento' (The results make evident the efficacy of the new medicine). In this context, it is a precise term that signals the end of a logical demonstration. Students are encouraged to use it in their essays to signpost their arguments, showing that they can synthesize information into clear conclusions.

Legal and Formal Debates: Lawyers use 'evidente' to describe evidence that is 'prima facie' or self-proving. 'Uma violação evidente do contrato' refers to a breach that is undeniable upon inspection.

The legal application of evidente is particularly interesting. In Portuguese law, certain facts are considered 'notórios' (notorious/well-known) or 'evidentes', meaning they do not require formal evidence to be accepted by a judge. If you are watching a legal drama or reading about a court case, look for this word. It often prefaces a winning argument. Furthermore, in formal debates—whether in parliament or a corporate boardroom—using 'evidente' is a way to claim the high ground, suggesting that your opponent's counter-arguments are ignoring the obvious reality of the situation.

A negligência da empresa era tão evidente que o juiz não hesitou na sentença.

Finally, you will hear evidente in everyday life, though often in its adverbial form 'evidentemente'. If you ask a shopkeeper if they accept credit cards, and they have a large 'Visa/Mastercard' sign on the door, they might reply 'Evidentemente!' as a way of saying 'Of course!'. It's a slightly more formal and emphatic version of 'com certeza' or 'claro'. Understanding this social use helps you interpret not just the literal meaning of words, but the attitude and register of the speaker you are interacting with in a Lusophone country.

— Você vai à festa amanhã? — Evidentemente! Não perderia por nada.

Literature and Arts: Authors use the word to describe character emotions that cannot be hidden. 'O seu amor era evidente em cada olhar'.

A tristeza no rosto dela era evidente, apesar do sorriso forçado.

Even though evidente is a cognate, English speakers often stumble over a few specific hurdles when integrating it into their Portuguese. These mistakes usually fall into three categories: gender agreement confusion, mood selection after 'que', and register mismatch. By identifying these pitfalls early, you can refine your usage and sound more like a native speaker who has moved beyond basic vocabulary to a more sophisticated command of the language's internal logic.

The 'Gender Trap': Believing that 'evidente' must change to 'evidenta' for feminine nouns. This is a common over-correction for learners used to 'o/a' endings.

In Portuguese, adjectives ending in '-e' are generally uniform, meaning they have only one form for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. A common mistake is saying 'A prova é evidenta' or 'A razão é evidenta'. This is incorrect. The correct form is always evidente in the singular. 'O motivo é evidente' and 'A causa é evidente'. Remembering this rule will save you from one of the most frequent errors made by beginners and intermediate learners alike. However, do not forget the plural: 'Os motivos são evidentes' and 'As causas são evidentes'.

Incorreto: A sua alegria era evidenta.
Correto: A sua alegria era evidente.

Another significant mistake involves the use of the subjunctive mood. Many learners are taught that impersonal expressions like 'É bom que...' or 'É importante que...' require the subjunctive. This leads them to mistakenly use the subjunctive after 'É evidente que...'. For example, they might say 'É evidente que ele saiba' (subjunctive). However, because 'evidente' denotes certainty and factuality, it almost always takes the Indicative. The correct sentence is 'É evidente que ele sabe'. Using the subjunctive here creates a logical contradiction in the sentence that native speakers will find jarring.

Register Mismatch: Using 'evidente' in very casual, slang-heavy conversations where 'claro' or 'na cara' would be more appropriate.

Register is another area where learners can go wrong. While 'evidente' is not 'stiff', using it repeatedly in a very casual chat with friends might make you sound slightly formal or like you are trying too hard. In informal Brazilian Portuguese, for instance, people often use the expression 'tá na cara' (it's on the face) to mean something is obvious. Using 'é evidente' while hanging out at a bar might be technically correct but stylistically 'off'. Save 'evidente' for when you want to sound clear, professional, or logically precise. Understanding these social nuances is what elevates your Portuguese from functional to natural.

Contexto informal: Tá na cara que ele gosta dela.
Contexto formal: É evidente que existe uma afinidade entre eles.

Finally, watch out for the 'false friend' trap, though it's less common with this word. In some contexts, English speakers might use 'evident' to mean 'visible', but in Portuguese, if something is just physically visible but not necessarily 'obvious' in a logical sense, 'visível' is the better choice. 'A montanha é visível' (The mountain is visible) is better than 'A montanha é evidente', unless you are arguing that the mountain's presence proves a specific point. Precision in word choice—choosing between 'visível', 'claro', 'óbvio', and 'evidente'—is a hallmark of the B2 level.

O erro na conta era evidente, mas não era imediatamente visível para um olho leigo.

Adverb Confusion: Confusing the adjective 'evidente' with the adverb 'evidentemente'. Remember that adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs or whole sentences.

To truly master the concept of 'obviousness' in Portuguese, you must look beyond evidente and explore its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each word in this semantic field carries a different 'flavor' or register, and knowing which one to pick will make your Portuguese sound more varied and precise. Whether you are aiming for the simplicity of 'claro' or the academic weight of 'notório', this section will guide you through the subtle differences that define high-level vocabulary usage.

Claro vs. Evidente: 'Claro' is the most versatile and common. It can mean 'clear' (light), 'clear' (transparent), or 'clear' (understandable). 'Evidente' is more specific to things that are 'manifestly' or 'logically' clear.

While you can often swap 'claro' for 'evidente', 'claro' feels more conversational. If you say 'Está claro que ele mentiu', it sounds like a normal observation. If you say 'É evidente que ele mentiu', it sounds like you have analyzed the situation and reached a definitive conclusion. Use 'claro' for light, colors, and everyday clarity; use 'evidente' for facts, proofs, and logical certainties. In many cases, 'claro' also functions as an interjection (Claro!), whereas 'evidente' rarely does (you'd use 'evidentemente' instead).

Exemplo: O céu está claro hoje (The sky is clear).
Exemplo: O perigo é evidente (The danger is evident).

Another powerful alternative is óbvio. This word is very close to 'evidente' but often carries a slightly more emphatic or even impatient tone. If something is 'óbvio', it's so clear that it's almost silly to mention it. In debates, calling something 'óbvio' can be a bit more aggressive than calling it 'evidente'. There is also notório, which is a formal word often used in legal or historical contexts to describe something that is 'well-known' or 'publicly recognized'. For example, 'É um fato notório' (It is a well-known fact).

Patente vs. Evidente: 'Patente' is a high-level synonym meaning 'clearly visible' or 'obvious to all'. It is often used to describe emotions or qualities. 'A sua alegria era patente'.

For learners reaching for C1/C2 levels, words like palpável (palpable) or cristalino (crystal clear) offer even more descriptive power. 'Palpável' is used when a feeling is so strong it almost feels physical: 'A tensão na sala era palpável'. 'Cristalino' is used for absolute clarity, often in intellectual or moral contexts: 'Uma lógica cristalina'. These metaphors add color to your speech that a simple 'evidente' cannot provide. By choosing the right synonym, you show that you not only know the meaning of words but also their emotional and contextual weight.

Comparação:
1. É óbvio (Informal/Emphatic)
2. É evidente (Neutral/Formal)
3. É manifesto (Very Formal/Literary)

Finally, let's look at visível. While we touched on this in common mistakes, it's a useful alternative when you want to focus strictly on the sense of sight. If you can see something with your eyes, it is 'visível'. If you can 'see' something with your mind or logic, it is 'evidente'. 'As estrelas estão visíveis' vs. 'A importância das estrelas para a navegação é evidente'. This distinction is the key to using these synonyms like a native speaker would.

Flagrante: Used specifically for things caught in the act or extremely glaring errors. 'Um erro flagrante' is much stronger than 'um erro evidente'.

A contradição no seu discurso foi evidente para todos os presentes na conferência.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'videre' is one of the most productive in the Indo-European family, giving us words as diverse as 'video', 'vision', 'wisdom', and even 'witch' (one who knows/sees).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /e.vi.ˈðẽ.tɨ/

US /e.vi.ˈdẽ.tʃi/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: e-vi-DEN-te.

Rhymes With

prudente mente quente gente contente ausente presente frente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly in European Portuguese.
Missing the nasal sound on the 'en' syllable (it should sound like the French 'en').
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., stress on the first or last syllable).
Failing to palatalize the 'd' in Brazil (sounding like 'dee' instead of 'djee').
Confusing it with the English pronunciation of 'evident'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize for English speakers due to the cognate.

Writing 4/5

Requires care with pluralization and avoiding gender over-correction.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct stress on the penultimate syllable.

Listening 3/5

In European Portuguese, the final vowel might be dropped, making it harder to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

claro óbvio ver certeza fato

Learn Next

evidentemente evidenciar notório manifesto implícito

Advanced

axioma hermenêutica empírico indubitável irrefutável

Grammar to Know

Uniform Adjectives

Adjectives ending in -e like 'evidente' do not change for gender (o homem inteligente / a mulher inteligente).

Indicative with Certainty

Expressions of certainty like 'É evidente que' take the indicative (É evidente que ele está aqui).

Plural of Adjectives in -e

To form the plural, simply add -s (evidente -> evidentes).

Adverb Formation with -mente

Add -mente to the feminine form of the adjective (which is the same as masculine for 'evidente') -> evidentemente.

Position of Adjectives

Placing 'evidente' before the noun (a evidente falta) emphasizes the quality more than the noun.

Examples by Level

O sol é evidente no céu.

The sun is evident in the sky.

Simple adjective use.

O erro de português é evidente.

The Portuguese error is evident.

'Evidente' modifies a masculine noun.

A felicidade dele é evidente.

His happiness is evident.

'Evidente' modifies a feminine noun (no change).

É evidente que ela gosta de café.

It is evident that she likes coffee.

Impersonal expression 'É evidente que'.

As cores são evidentes.

The colors are evident.

Plural form 'evidentes'.

O caminho é evidente.

The path is evident.

Adjective following the verb 'ser'.

Não é evidente para mim.

It is not evident to me.

Negative construction.

O sinal é evidente.

The sign is evident.

Standard adjective usage.

A diferença entre os dois é evidente.

The difference between the two is evident.

Comparing two things.

É evidente que você está cansado.

It is evident that you are tired.

Using 'que' with the indicative mood.

Os sinais de chuva são evidentes.

The signs of rain are evident.

Plural agreement.

O seu talento para a música é evidente.

Your talent for music is evident.

Describing an abstract quality.

Tornou-se evidente que ele não viria.

It became evident that he would not come.

Using the verb 'tornar-se'.

A resposta correta é evidente.

The correct answer is evident.

Standard predicative adjective.

É evidente que o carro está quebrado.

It is evident that the car is broken.

Impersonal phrase with a fact.

O desinteresse dela era evidente.

Her lack of interest was evident.

Using 'era' (imperfect past).

É evidente que a economia precisa de mudanças.

It is evident that the economy needs changes.

Formal argument starter.

As melhorias na cidade são evidentes para todos.

The improvements in the city are evident to everyone.

Plural adjective with a prepositional phrase.

A falta de organização ficou evidente durante o evento.

The lack of organization became evident during the event.

Using 'ficou' to show a revealed state.

É evidente que eles não leram o contrato.

It is evident that they did not read the contract.

Negative clause after 'que'.

O perigo tornou-se evidente quando o fogo se espalhou.

The danger became evident when the fire spread.

Linking an event to a realization.

A relação entre os dois fatos é evidente.

The relationship between the two facts is evident.

Logical connection.

Sua dedicação ao trabalho é evidente nos resultados.

Your dedication to work is evident in the results.

Abstract noun modification.

Não é evidente por que ele tomou essa decisão.

It is not evident why he made that decision.

Using 'por que' after 'evidente'.

A contradição nos seus argumentos é evidente.

The contradiction in your arguments is evident.

Used in intellectual debate.

É evidente que a tecnologia transformou a sociedade.

It is evident that technology has transformed society.

Stating a broad sociological fact.

O autor deixa evidente sua opinião sobre o tema.

The author makes his opinion on the subject evident.

Collocation: 'deixar evidente'.

Existem provas evidentes de que o crime foi planejado.

There is evident proof that the crime was planned.

Attributive use with 'provas'.

A evidente falta de recursos impediu o progresso.

The evident lack of resources hindered progress.

Adjective placed before the noun for emphasis.

É evidente que a inflação afetará o poder de compra.

It is evident that inflation will affect purchasing power.

Future tense in the 'que' clause.

As consequências da mudança climática são evidentes.

The consequences of climate change are evident.

Plural noun with 'são'.

O seu nervosismo era evidente, apesar da calma aparente.

His nervousness was evident, despite his apparent calm.

Contrast between 'evidente' and 'aparente'.

A fragilidade do sistema tornou-se evidente após a crise.

The fragility of the system became evident after the crisis.

Abstract systemic description.

É evidente que a hermenêutica do texto exige cautela.

It is evident that the hermeneutics of the text require caution.

Academic/Philosophical register.

A sua competência é evidente em cada detalhe do projeto.

Your competence is evident in every detail of the project.

Praising high-level skills.

Não restam dúvidas, pois a evidência é evidente por si só.

No doubts remain, as the evidence is self-evident.

Rhetorical use of 'evidência' and 'evidente'.

Tornou-se evidente que a diplomacia havia falhado.

It became evident that diplomacy had failed.

Political context.

A evidente disparidade social é um desafio para o governo.

The evident social disparity is a challenge for the government.

Sociopolitical analysis.

É evidente que a arte reflete o espírito de sua época.

It is evident that art reflects the spirit of its time.

General cultural principle.

A sua intenção tornou-se evidente através de suas ações.

His intention became evident through his actions.

Focus on 'através de'.

A onipresença da tecnologia torna evidente a nossa dependência.

The ubiquity of technology makes our dependence evident.

Complex noun phrases.

É evidente que a subjetividade permeia toda a análise histórica.

It is evident that subjectivity permeates all historical analysis.

Epistemological claim.

A manifestação do sagrado era evidente naquele ritual.

The manifestation of the sacred was evident in that ritual.

Theological/Anthropological context.

Tornar evidente o que está oculto é a tarefa do filósofo.

To make evident what is hidden is the philosopher's task.

Infinitive as a subject.

A evidente obsolescência das leis atuais exige uma reforma.

The evident obsolescence of current laws requires reform.

High-level legal vocabulary.

É evidente que o niilismo contemporâneo tem raízes profundas.

It is evident that contemporary nihilism has deep roots.

Philosophical discourse.

A sua genialidade, embora evidente, era incompreendida.

His genius, though evident, was misunderstood.

Using 'embora' (concessive clause).

Ficou evidente a vacuidade de suas promessas eleitorais.

The emptiness of his campaign promises became evident.

Inverted subject-verb order for impact.

Common Collocations

Prova evidente

Sinal evidente

Tornar evidente

Fato evidente

Razão evidente

Vantagem evidente

Melhoria evidente

Contradição evidente

Diferença evidente

Erro evidente

Common Phrases

É evidente que sim

— A very emphatic 'yes' or 'of course'. Used when the answer is obvious.

— Você quer ir? — É evidente que sim!

Por razões evidentes

— Because of reasons that don't need to be explained. Similar to 'for obvious reasons'.

Ele não veio por razões evidentes.

Deixar evidente

— To make something clear or to show it explicitly.

Ele deixou evidente seu descontentamento.

Ficar evidente

— To become clear or obvious to everyone watching.

Ficou evidente que eles venceriam.

Mais que evidente

— Extremely obvious; more than clear.

A solução era mais que evidente.

Nada evidente

— Not clear at all; confusing or hidden.

A resposta não é nada evidente.

Evidente por si só

— Self-evident; requiring no external proof.

A verdade é evidente por si só.

Tornar-se evidente

— To gradually become clear as more info is revealed.

O problema tornou-se evidente ontem.

Ser evidente a todos

— To be obvious to every person present.

Sua alegria era evidente a todos.

Caso evidente

— A clear-cut case or a perfect example of something.

Este é um caso evidente de negligência.

Often Confused With

evidente vs Evidência

This is the noun (evidence). 'Evidente' is the adjective (evident).

evidente vs Evidentemente

This is the adverb (evidently/obviously). Use it to modify verbs.

evidente vs Visível

Use 'visível' for physical sight, 'evidente' for logical clarity.

Idioms & Expressions

"Saltar aos olhos"

— Literally 'to jump to the eyes'. Used when something is so evident it's impossible to miss.

A beleza da cidade salta aos olhos.

Neutral

"Estar na cara"

— Literally 'to be on the face'. A very common informal way to say something is evident.

Tá na cara que ele está mentindo.

Informal

"Cego é quem não quer ver"

— Blind is he who does not want to see. Used when someone ignores the evident truth.

O erro é óbvio; cego é quem não quer ver.

Informal/Proverb

"Claro como a água"

— Clear as water. Used for something that is perfectly evident and understandable.

A explicação foi clara como a água.

Neutral

"Não ter nada que enganar"

— To have nothing that can deceive. Used for something straightforward and evident.

O caminho é este, não tem nada que enganar.

Neutral (Portugal)

"Ver com os próprios olhos"

— To see with one's own eyes. Emphasizes that the evidence was personally witnessed.

É evidente, eu vi com os próprios olhos.

Neutral

"Dar na vista"

— To attract attention or be very noticeable/evident.

Aquele carro vermelho dá muito na vista.

Neutral

"Pôr em pratos limpos"

— To put on clean plates. To make an evident truth known and clarify a situation.

Vamos pôr tudo em pratos limpos agora.

Informal

"Não restam dúvidas"

— No doubts remain. Used when the evidence is so strong that no one can disagree.

Não restam dúvidas de que ele é o culpado.

Formal

"Ser de caras"

— To be obvious or immediate. Used when a choice or fact is evident.

A resposta era de caras, não precisei pensar.

Informal (Portugal)

Easily Confused

evidente vs Claro

Both mean 'clear'.

'Claro' is more common for light and general understanding, while 'evidente' is for proof and logical certainty.

A água é clara. A sua culpa é evidente.

evidente vs Óbvio

Both mean 'obvious'.

'Óbvio' is more informal and emphatic. 'Evidente' is more formal and analytical.

É óbvio que vou! É evidente que os dados estão corretos.

evidente vs Notório

Both imply something is well-known.

'Notório' means it is known by many people. 'Evidente' means it is clear to anyone who looks.

Ele é um criminoso notório. O erro no papel é evidente.

evidente vs Patente

Both mean 'manifest'.

'Patente' is much more formal and often describes feelings or qualities seen in someone.

Sua angústia era patente. O problema técnico é evidente.

evidente vs Manifesto

Both mean 'obvious'.

'Manifesto' is literary and implies something has been 'made' visible or public.

Um manifesto desprezo. Uma evidente falta de ar.

Sentence Patterns

O [substantivo] é evidente.

O problema é evidente.

É evidente que [frase simples].

É evidente que ela está feliz.

[Substantivo] tornou-se evidente.

O erro tornou-se evidente.

Por razões evidentes, [conclusão].

Por razões evidentes, não podemos aceitar.

A evidente [substantivo] de [complemento].

A evidente falta de interesse do público.

Deixar evidente que...

O relatório deixa evidente que houve fraude.

Ficou evidente a [substantivo]...

Ficou evidente a impossibilidade de acordo.

Evidente por si só.

Trata-se de uma verdade evidente por si só.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in written Portuguese; medium-high in spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

A prova é evidenta. → A prova é evidente.
Learners often try to change the ending to 'a' for feminine nouns, but 'evidente' is a uniform adjective.
É evidente que ele esteja aqui. → É evidente que ele está aqui.
The phrase 'É evidente que' expresses certainty and therefore requires the indicative mood, not the subjunctive.
Os sinal são evidente. → Os sinais são evidentes.
Both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized correctly.
Isso é muito visível (when meaning obvious). → Isso é muito evidente.
While 'visível' works for physical things, 'evidente' is better for logical obviousness.
Ele é evidente certo. → Ele está evidentemente certo.
You must use the adverb 'evidentemente' to modify an adjective like 'certo', not the adjective 'evidente'.

Tips

One Form Fits All

Don't try to make 'evidente' feminine by saying 'evidenta'. It stays as 'evidente' for everything singular.

Sound Smarter

Swap 'claro' for 'evidente' in your emails to sound more professional and precise.

The 'Que' Connection

Practice the phrase 'É evidente que...' followed by a fact. It's a great way to start an opinion.

Polite 'Yes'

In a formal setting, use 'Evidentemente!' to say 'Of course!'—it sounds very sophisticated.

Nasal Vowels

The 'en' in 'evidente' is nasal. Don't pronounce the 'n' fully; let the air go through your nose.

Plural Check

Always remember to add the 's' for plural nouns: 'Sinais evidentes'.

Logical Flow

Use 'evidente' when you have already given reasons for something. It acts as a summary word.

Placement Matters

Put 'evidente' before the noun for a more poetic or emphatic feel: 'A evidente alegria'.

Informal Alternative

With close friends, try 'tá na cara' instead of 'é evidente' to sound more natural.

Visual vs Logical

If you are talking about a stain on a shirt, use 'visível'. If you are talking about a lie, use 'evidente'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the English word 'EVIDENT'. In Portuguese, it is exactly the same but you add an 'E' at the end. EVIDENT + E = EVIDENTE.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant neon sign in the dark. It is so bright and clear that it is 'evidente' to everyone in the city.

Word Web

Claro Óbvio Visível Certo Manifesto Patente Notório Direto

Challenge

Try to use 'evidente' three times today: once to describe a weather condition, once to describe a feeling, and once in the phrase 'É evidente que...'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'evidens, evidentis', which means 'visible', 'clear', or 'plain'. It is composed of the prefix 'e-' (out) and 'videre' (to see).

Original meaning: Literally 'that which is seen out' or 'that which stands out to the sight'.

It is a Romance word, sharing roots with the Spanish 'evidente', French 'évident', and Italian 'evidente'.

Cultural Context

Calling something 'evidente' in a heated emotional argument can sometimes come across as condescending (as if saying 'Are you stupid? It's obvious!').

English speakers find this word easy because it is a direct cognate. However, they must learn to stop themselves from saying 'evidenta' for feminine nouns.

Found in many legal documents of the Portuguese Republic. Commonly used in the philosophical writings of Antero de Quental. Frequent in the lyrics of formal Fado songs describing undeniable fate.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Meetings

É evidente que os prazos são curtos.
Os benefícios são evidentes.
Ficou evidente a necessidade de ajuda.
Deixamos evidente nossa posição.

Scientific Reports

A evidência é evidente nos dados.
Torna-se evidente a correlação.
Não é evidente a causa do erro.
Os sinais são evidentes no microscópio.

Legal Proceedings

Uma violação evidente da lei.
A prova é evidente e robusta.
É evidente a má-fé do réu.
Fatos evidentes não carecem de prova.

Daily Life / Weather

É evidente que vai chover.
A sujeira é evidente no chão.
Seu cansaço é evidente.
A diferença de preço é evidente.

Relationships

É evidente que eles se amam.
Sua raiva era evidente.
Deixou evidente que não gostou.
A falta de comunicação é evidente.

Conversation Starters

"É evidente que a cidade mudou muito nos últimos anos, você não acha?"

"Para você, qual é a vantagem mais evidente de morar no Brasil?"

"É evidente que aprender português leva tempo, mas qual é a parte mais difícil?"

"Você acha que o impacto da inteligência artificial é evidente no seu trabalho?"

"É evidente que precisamos de férias, para onde você gostaria de ir?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que a verdade não era evidente no início, mas depois ficou clara.

Quais são os sinais mais evidentes de que uma pessoa está feliz, na sua opinião?

Escreva sobre um erro evidente que você cometeu e o que aprendeu com ele.

É evidente que o mundo está mudando. Quais mudanças você considera mais positivas?

Reflita sobre uma decisão que você tomou onde a escolha certa era evidente desde o começo.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is both! 'Evidente' is a uniform adjective, so it doesn't change based on gender. You can say 'o caso evidente' or 'a prova evidente'.

Use 'evidentemente' when you want to say 'evidently' or 'obviously' to modify a whole sentence or a verb. For example: 'Ele, evidentemente, não sabia de nada'.

No, it usually takes the indicative mood because it expresses certainty. Example: 'É evidente que ele *está* (not esteja) aqui'.

The plural is 'evidentes'. You use it for both masculine and feminine plural nouns. Example: 'Os erros são evidentes' or 'As falhas são evidentes'.

Yes, but usually in a logical sense. If you just mean you can see something with your eyes, 'visível' is more common. 'Evidente' implies it's obvious to the mind too.

Yes, 'evidente' is a bit more formal and is very common in newspapers, books, and professional settings.

'Óbvio' is more common in casual talk and can sound a bit stronger or more impatient. 'Evidente' sounds more like a logical conclusion.

In most of Brazil, it sounds like 'e-vee-DEN-tchee'. The 'd' has a 'dj' sound and the 'te' sounds like 'tchee'.

In Portugal, it sounds like 'e-vee-DEN-tuh'. The final 'e' is very short and the 'd' is a soft dental sound.

No, 'evidente' is always an adjective. The noun form is 'evidência'.