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indecisamente

B1 adverb 8 min read

indecisamente

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips indecisamente in 30 Seconds

Explanation indecisamente in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'indecisamente' is a very advanced word. You probably won't need to use it yourself yet. However, it's good to recognize the ending '-mente'. In Portuguese, '-mente' is like the English '-ly'. So, if you know that 'indeciso' means 'undecided', you can guess that 'indecisamente' means 'undecisively'. At this stage, instead of using this long word, you can just say 'não sei' (I don't know) or 'estou em dúvida' (I am in doubt). For example, if you are at a restaurant and can't choose, you don't need to say 'estou escolhendo indecisamente'. You can just say 'é difícil escolher'. Focus on learning the root word 'decisão' (decision) first. This will help you build a foundation for understanding longer words later on. Remember that in Portuguese, we often use more words to say the same thing as one long English adverb. So, while 'indecisamente' is one word, it represents a complex feeling of not being sure about what to do next. If you see this word in a book, just think: 'The person is acting like they can't make up their mind.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more adverbs. You know words like 'rapidamente' (quickly) and 'lentamente' (slowly). 'Indecisamente' follows the same pattern. It comes from the adjective 'indeciso'. Because 'indeciso' ends in 'o', the feminine form is 'indecisa'. We use the feminine form to make the adverb: indecisa + mente = indecisamente. You can use this word when you want to describe how someone is doing something in a way that shows they aren't sure. For example: 'Ele caminha indecisamente' (He walks indecisively). This is better than just saying 'Ele caminha devagar' (He walks slowly) because it explains *why* he is walking that way—because he doesn't know where to go. You might hear this in simple stories or see it in basic news reports. Try to practice it by thinking of times when you were unsure, like when buying a gift or choosing a movie. Even if you don't use it in every conversation, knowing it will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and descriptive.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'indecisamente' to add detail to your speaking and writing. This word is perfect for the 'Intermediate' level because it allows you to describe feelings and motivations. Instead of just stating facts, you can describe the *manner* of an action. For instance, in a job interview simulation, you might describe a candidate: 'O candidato respondeu às perguntas indecisamente.' This gives a much clearer picture than 'O candidato não respondeu bem.' It suggests that the candidate had the knowledge but lacked the confidence or the clarity to speak firmly. You should also start noticing where the word is placed. Usually, it comes after the verb. 'Ela olhou indecisamente para o mapa.' If you put it at the beginning of the sentence, it sounds more dramatic: 'Indecisamente, ela parou o carro.' This is a great word to use when writing short stories or describing your past experiences in the 'Pretérito Perfeito' or 'Pretérito Imperfeito'. It shows you understand how to form complex adverbs and how to use them to convey psychological states.

At the B2 level, you should use 'indecisamente' with precision and understand its synonyms like 'hesitantemente' or 'vacilantemente'. You should be aware that 'indecisamente' is not just about being slow; it's about the internal conflict of having too many choices or not enough information. At this level, you can use it in more abstract contexts, such as discussing business, politics, or social issues. For example: 'A gestão da empresa agiu indecisamente durante a fusão, o que causou pânico entre os acionistas.' This sentence uses advanced vocabulary ('gestão', 'fusão', 'acionistas') and 'indecisamente' fits perfectly here to describe a lack of strategic clarity. You should also be comfortable using the 'adverbial reduction' rule: if you have two adverbs, you only use '-mente' once. 'Ele falou calma e indecisamente' (He spoke calmly and indecisively). This shows a high level of grammatical control. You might also start to notice the word in more sophisticated media, like podcasts about philosophy or psychology, where the nuances of human behavior are discussed in detail.

At the C1 level, 'indecisamente' is a tool for stylistic expression. You understand that using this word instead of a simpler phrase like 'com dúvida' changes the register of your speech to something more formal and precise. You can use it to create specific atmospheres in your writing. For instance, in a literary analysis, you might write about a character's 'trajetória percorrida indecisamente', suggesting a life lived without a clear purpose or destination. You also understand the subtle differences between 'indecisamente' and its near-synonyms. You know that 'vacilantemente' might imply a physical tremor or a more erratic change of mind, while 'indecisamente' is more about the stasis caused by the inability to choose. You can use the word to critique complex systems: 'O sistema jurídico opera indecisamente em casos de crimes cibernéticos.' Here, the word takes on a systemic meaning, suggesting that the laws themselves are not clear or that the judges are hesitant to set precedents. Your use of the word should be effortless, and you should be able to identify when it is being used ironically or for rhetorical effect in political speeches or debates.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'indecisamente' and its place within the vast web of Portuguese vocabulary. You can use it to discuss the most nuanced aspects of human existence and abstract theory. You might use it in a philosophical treatise to describe the 'agir indecisamente' of an individual facing an existential crisis, where the hesitation is not just about a choice, but about the nature of being itself. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and its Latin roots, and how it compares to its counterparts in other Romance languages like Spanish ('indecisamente') or French ('indécisément'). You can play with sentence structure to create poetic rhythms: 'Indecisamente caminha a alma por entre as sombras do passado.' In this C2 context, the word is not just a descriptor but a part of a larger aesthetic and intellectual framework. You can also spot the word's usage in archaic or highly specialized texts and understand how its meaning might have slightly shifted or how it maintains a classical weight in modern legal or academic Portuguese.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

indecisamente in 30 Seconds

Indecisamente means acting in an undecided or hesitant way, similar to 'indecisively' in English.
It is formed by adding '-mente' to the feminine adjective 'indecisa'.
It is commonly used in formal writing, literature, and to describe psychological states.
Placement is usually after the verb, but it can move for stylistic emphasis.

The Portuguese word indecisamente is an adverb of manner that translates directly to the English word "indecisively." To understand its usage, one must first look at its root: the adjective indeciso (undecided or hesitant). In Portuguese, as in English, the suffix -mente is the standard way to transform an adjective into an adverb, functioning much like the English suffix "-ly." Therefore, when someone acts indecisamente, they are performing an action while caught in a state of doubt, hesitation, or lack of resolve. This word is particularly useful when describing the physical manifestation of mental uncertainty. It is not just about the internal feeling of being unsure; it is about how that uncertainty translates into visible behavior, speech, or decision-making processes. You might use it to describe a person walking back and forth in front of a store window, a student hovering their pen over two different answers on an exam, or a politician who refuses to take a firm stance on a controversial issue. The word carries a slightly formal tone, making it more common in literature, news reporting, and formal psychological descriptions than in casual street slang, where people might prefer simpler constructions like "sem saber o que fazer" (without knowing what to do).

Morphology: The word is formed by the prefix 'in-' (negation) + 'decisamente' (decisively). It indicates a lack of decision-making power.
Usage Context: Commonly found in narrative writing to describe a character's internal conflict through their outward actions.
Grammatical Role: It functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the manner of an action.

Ele caminhou indecisamente até a porta, mas não chegou a bater.

A empresa respondeu indecisamente às exigências dos trabalhadores.

Maria olhou indecisamente para os dois caminhos na floresta.

O governo agiu indecisamente durante a crise financeira.

Eles falaram indecisamente sobre os planos para o futuro.

Using indecisamente correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese sentence structure and the specific nuances of adverbial placement. Generally, adverbs of manner like this one follow the verb they modify. For example, in the sentence "Ela escolheu indecisamente," the adverb tells us how she chose. However, for stylistic emphasis, particularly in literary contexts, the adverb can be moved to the beginning of the sentence or placed between the subject and the verb. If you say "Indecisamente, ela escolheu o vestido azul," you are placing a heavy focus on her state of mind before even mentioning the action. This word is incredibly versatile because it can apply to physical movements, verbal communication, and abstract decision-making. In a physical sense, it describes movements that lack a clear trajectory—shuffling feet, looking around aimlessly, or reaching for an object and then pulling back. Verbally, it describes speech patterns filled with pauses, fillers, or contradictory statements. Abstractly, it describes policies, management styles, or life choices that lack a firm commitment. It is important to note that 'indecisamente' is a long, multisyllabic word (in-de-ci-sa-men-te), which itself can mimic the slow, drawn-out nature of being indecisive. When using it, ensure that the verb it modifies is one that allows for a range of certainty. You wouldn't typically say "ele morreu indecisamente," as death is a binary state, but you would say "ele viveu indecisamente," indicating a life of constant hesitation and lack of direction.

Placement: Usually follows the verb: 'Ele agiu indecisamente'. Can be moved for emphasis.
Modification: Can modify adjectives: 'um homem indecisamente calmo' (an indecisively calm man).
Semantic Nuance: Implies a lack of confidence and the presence of conflicting thoughts or options.

O motorista parou indecisamente no cruzamento sem sinalização.

A criança apontou indecisamente para o sabor de sorvete que queria.

O advogado falou indecisamente durante a sustentação oral.

In the real world, indecisamente appears in specific spheres of Portuguese communication. You are most likely to encounter it in contemporary Portuguese literature. Authors like José Saramago or Clarice Lispector might use it to delve into the psychological depth of their characters, describing how they navigate a world of ambiguity. In journalism, particularly in the opinion or political sections, you will hear it used to criticize leadership. A headline might read, "O Banco Central agiu indecisamente perante a inflação," suggesting that the institution's hesitation led to negative consequences. You will also find it in formal reports, such as those in psychology or sociology, where human behavior is analyzed. For example, a study on consumer behavior might note that participants looked indecisamente at products with similar pricing. In daily conversation, while the word exists, it is often replaced by more colloquial phrases. A native speaker in Lisbon or São Paulo might say "ele ficou em cima do muro" (he stayed on the wall/fence) instead of using the adverb. However, in a professional setting, like a job interview or a business meeting, using indecisamente shows a high level of vocabulary and linguistic precision. It is also common in dubbed movies or translated novels, where translators seek a direct equivalent for the English "indecisively." If you are watching a Brazilian soap opera (telenovela), a narrator might use it to describe a character's romantic dilemma: "Ela olhava para os dois pretendentes indecisamente." Understanding this word allows you to grasp the subtle emotional coloring that a speaker or writer is trying to convey—a sense of being caught between two worlds or two choices.

Na literatura clássica, os heróis muitas vezes agem indecisamente antes do clímax.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with indecisamente is confusing it with other adverbs that describe speed or confidence but don't quite capture the essence of indecision. For instance, learners often use vagarosamente (slowly) as a synonym. While an indecisive person might act slowly, the two words are not interchangeable. Indecisamente implies a lack of choice, while vagarosamente only refers to the tempo of the action. Another common error is using inseguramente (insecurely) in its place. While insecurity often leads to indecision, 'inseguramente' focuses on the lack of self-confidence, whereas 'indecisamente' focuses on the inability to select an option. Grammatically, English speakers often try to place the adverb before the verb, as in "He indecisively walked." In Portuguese, saying "Ele indecisamente caminhou" is grammatically possible but often sounds unnatural or overly poetic. The standard position is after the verb: "Ele caminhou indecisamente." Additionally, be careful with the spelling. Portuguese adverbs ending in -mente are always derived from the feminine form of the adjective if the adjective has two genders (e.g., lento/lenta becomes lentamente). However, indeciso ends in 'o', and its feminine is indecisa. Therefore, the adverb is indecisamente (using the 'a'), not indecisomente. Finally, avoid overusing this word in very casual speech; it can make you sound like a textbook. If you're at a bar with friends, instead of saying "Estou agindo indecisamente sobre qual cerveja pedir," you should say "Não sei qual cerveja pedir" or "Estou em dúvida."

If you want to vary your vocabulary, there are several synonyms and related terms you can use instead of indecisamente. The most direct synonym is hesitantemente (hesitantly). This word emphasizes the pause or the physical 'holding back' before an action. Another strong alternative is vacilantemente (waveringly/vacillatingly). This word is perfect for describing someone who is physically shaking or mentally swinging between two opinions like a pendulum. For a more formal or literary tone, you might use duvidosamente (doubtfully), although this often implies that the person doubts the outcome rather than being unable to choose. If you are looking for a more common, everyday expression, the phrase com hesitação (with hesitation) is a safe bet. In terms of antonyms, the most obvious choice is decididamente (decisively). This indicates a clear, firm, and purposeful action. Other opposites include resolutamente (resolutely) and firmemente (firmly). Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of hesitation you want to describe. Is the person simply slow to choose (indecisamente), or are they actively doubting the truth of something (duvidosamente)? Are they physically wavering (vacilantemente)? Mastering these distinctions is what separates a B1 learner from a C1 speaker.

indecisamente vs. hesitantemente: 'Indecisamente' focuses on the lack of a final choice; 'hesitantemente' focuses on the delay in starting the action.
indecisamente vs. vacilantemente: 'Vacilantemente' often implies a lack of physical or moral stability, like someone who might fall or change their mind at any second.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-mente' originally referred to the spirit or mind of the person doing the action, so 'indecisamente' literally means 'with an undecided mind'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ĩ.de.si.za.ˈmẽ.tʃi/

US /in.de.si.za.ˈmen.te/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'men'.

Rhymes With

rapidamente lentamente claramente fortemente infelizmente certamente realmente totalmente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'in' as a clear English 'in' without the nasalization.
Stressing the 'ci' syllable instead of the 'men' syllable.
Pronouncing the 's' in the middle as an 's' sound instead of a 'z' sound (it is between two vowels).
Forgetting the 'a' before 'mente'.
Pronouncing 'mente' as 'minty'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'decisão' and '-mente'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling and placement.

Speaking 5/5

Long word with nasal sounds and specific stress pattern.

Listening 4/5

Can be missed in fast speech due to its length.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

decidir decisão indeciso mente dúvida

Learn Next

hesitante vacilante resolutamente arbitrariamente deliberadamente

Advanced

contingencialmente esporadicamente intrinsecamente

Grammar to Know

Adverb formation with -mente

Indeciso (adj) -> Indecisa (fem) -> Indecisamente (adv).

Adverbial reduction in a series

Ele agiu rápida e indecisamente (instead of rapidamente e indecisamente).

Adverb placement for emphasis

Indecisamente, ele aceitou a proposta. (Focus on manner).

Adverbs modifying adjectives

Um plano indecisamente estruturado.

Invariability of adverbs

Elas agiram indecisamente (not indecisamentes).

Examples by Level

Eu olho para o menu indecisamente.

I look at the menu indecisively.

Simple present tense with the adverb at the end.

Ela caminha indecisamente na rua.

She walks indecisively on the street.

Adverb modifying the verb 'caminha'.

O menino fala indecisamente.

The boy speaks indecisively.

Adverb modifying the verb 'fala'.

Nós escolhemos o filme indecisamente.

We choose the movie indecisively.

First person plural 'Nós' with the adverb.

Ele aponta indecisamente para o brinquedo.

He points indecisively to the toy.

Adverb following the verb 'aponta'.

Você come indecisamente hoje.

You eat indecisively today.

Informal 'você' used in a simple sentence.

Eles entram na loja indecisamente.

They enter the store indecisively.

Third person plural 'Eles'.

O gato olha indecisamente para a porta.

The cat looks indecisively at the door.

Using a non-human subject with the adverb.

Ontem, eu respondi indecisamente ao convite.

Yesterday, I responded indecisively to the invitation.

Past tense 'respondi' with adverbial modification.

Ela estava parada indecisamente em frente ao banco.

She was standing indecisively in front of the bank.

Using the adverb with the past continuous 'estava parada'.

O aluno escreveu indecisamente a resposta no teste.

The student indecisively wrote the answer on the test.

Adverb describing the manner of writing.

Eles decidiram indecisamente viajar para o litoral.

They indecisively decided to travel to the coast.

The adverb modifies the verb 'decidiram'.

O cachorro balançou o rabo indecisamente.

The dog wagged its tail indecisively.

Describing an animal's action with human-like uncertainty.

Nós compramos o carro indecisamente na semana passada.

We bought the car indecisively last week.

Adverb used in a completed past action (Pretérito Perfeito).

Ela sorriu indecisamente para o desconhecido.

She smiled indecisively at the stranger.

Describing a facial expression's manner.

O vento soprava indecisamente entre as árvores.

The wind blew indecisively among the trees.

Metaphorical use of the adverb for nature.

O diretor agiu indecisamente, o que atrasou o projeto.

The director acted indecisively, which delayed the project.

Cause and effect sentence using the adverb.

Embora soubesse o caminho, ele virou indecisamente à esquerda.

Although he knew the way, he indecisively turned left.

Concessive clause 'Embora...' paired with the adverb.

Ela falava indecisamente sobre seus planos de carreira.

She spoke indecisively about her career plans.

Imperfect past 'falava' suggesting an ongoing state.

Os investidores reagiram indecisamente às novas notícias.

Investors reacted indecisively to the new news.

Business context with the adverb.

Ele pegou o telefone indecisamente, sem saber se devia ligar.

He picked up the phone indecisively, not knowing if he should call.

Gerund 'sabendo' used to explain the indecision.

A equipe trabalhou indecisamente durante toda a semana.

The team worked indecisively throughout the week.

Adverb modifying a group action over time.

Ela mudou de ideia indecisamente várias vezes.

She indecisively changed her mind several times.

Showing repetition of the indecisive act.

O político respondeu indecisamente à pergunta do jornalista.

The politician responded indecisively to the journalist's question.

Formal context usage.

A economia está crescendo indecisamente este trimestre.

The economy is growing indecisively this quarter.

Using the adverb to describe an abstract trend.

O juiz ponderou indecisamente antes de proferir a sentença.

The judge pondered indecisively before delivering the sentence.

Formal legal context.

Ela lidava indecisamente com as emoções conflitantes.

She dealt indecisively with the conflicting emotions.

Psychological usage describing internal management.

O governo hesitou e agiu indecisamente perante a crise sanitária.

The government hesitated and acted indecisively in the face of the health crisis.

Using a synonym 'hesitou' alongside the adverb.

Eles caminhavam indecisamente entre a tradição e a modernidade.

They walked indecisively between tradition and modernity.

Metaphorical 'walking' between abstract concepts.

A peça de teatro começou indecisamente, mas melhorou depois.

The play started indecisively, but improved later.

Describing the quality of a performance.

O autor descreve a cena indecisamente, deixando margem para interpretação.

The author describes the scene indecisively, leaving room for interpretation.

Literary analysis context.

Ela aceitou o cargo indecisamente, temendo as novas responsabilidades.

She accepted the position indecisively, fearing the new responsibilities.

Participial phrase 'temendo...' explaining the adverb.

A política externa foi conduzida indecisamente, gerando desconfiança internacional.

Foreign policy was conducted indecisively, generating international distrust.

Passive voice 'foi conduzida' modified by the adverb.

O filósofo argumenta que o homem moderno vive indecisamente.

The philosopher argues that modern man lives indecisively.

Philosophical/Academic context.

As reformas foram aplicadas indecisamente pelo novo ministério.

The reforms were applied indecisively by the new ministry.

Plural feminine subject with passive construction.

Ela flutuava indecisamente entre o desejo de ficar e o de partir.

She floated indecisively between the desire to stay and to leave.

Metaphorical use of 'flutuar' (to float/hover).

O mercado de ações oscilou indecisamente durante o pregão.

The stock market fluctuated indecisively during the trading session.

Technical financial vocabulary.

A narrativa progride indecisamente, espelhando a confusão do protagonista.

The narrative progresses indecisively, mirroring the protagonist's confusion.

Describing narrative structure.

O comitê deliberou indecisamente por horas sem chegar a um consenso.

The committee deliberated indecisively for hours without reaching a consensus.

Formal verb 'deliberou'.

Ele se posicionou indecisamente sobre a questão ética em pauta.

He positioned himself indecisively on the ethical issue at hand.

Reflexive verb 'se posicionou'.

A soberania do estado foi exercida indecisamente em face das pressões globais.

State sovereignty was exercised indecisively in the face of global pressures.

High-level political science context.

O texto sagrado é interpretado indecisamente por diversas seitas.

The sacred text is interpreted indecisively by various sects.

Theological context.

A luz do crepúsculo incidia indecisamente sobre a paisagem melancólica.

The twilight light fell indecisively upon the melancholy landscape.

Poetic/Descriptive usage.

O progresso tecnológico avança indecisamente em termos de ética humana.

Technological progress advances indecisively in terms of human ethics.

Societal critique.

Ela tateava indecisamente as bordas da realidade e do sonho.

She indecisively felt the edges of reality and dream.

Abstract literary metaphor.

A justiça, muitas vezes, move-se indecisamente nos corredores do poder.

Justice, often, moves indecisively in the corridors of power.

Personification of 'Justiça'.

O historiador tratou o tema indecisamente, evitando conclusões precipitadas.

The historian treated the theme indecisively, avoiding hasty conclusions.

Academic caution.

As sombras moviam-se indecisamente sob a luz bruxuleante da vela.

The shadows moved indecisively under the flickering candlelight.

Atmospheric description.

Common Collocations

agir indecisamente

olhar indecisamente

responder indecisamente

caminhar indecisamente

escolher indecisamente

falar indecisamente

parar indecisamente

apontar indecisamente

viver indecisamente

tocar indecisamente

Common Phrases

ficar indecisamente parado

— To remain standing in a state of hesitation.

Ficou indecisamente parado no meio do corredor.

mover-se indecisamente

— To move without a clear goal or direction.

A multidão movia-se indecisamente após o susto.

olhar indecisamente em volta

— To look around while being unsure of what to do.

Ele olhou indecisamente em volta procurando ajuda.

sorrir indecisamente para alguém

— To give a hesitant smile that lacks confidence.

Sorriu indecisamente para o novo chefe.

balançar a cabeça indecisamente

— To shake or nod one's head in a way that shows doubt.

Balançou a cabeça indecisamente ao ouvir a proposta.

estender a mão indecisamente

— To reach out for something but with hesitation.

Estendeu a mão indecisamente para o prêmio.

escrever indecisamente

— To write with pauses or lack of certainty in the words.

Escreveu indecisamente o seu nome no formulário.

sentar-se indecisamente

— To sit down as if one is not sure they should be there.

Sentou-se indecisamente na beira da cadeira.

esperar indecisamente

— To wait while feeling anxious or unsure of the outcome.

Esperou indecisamente pelo resultado do exame.

concordar indecisamente

— To agree but without full conviction.

Concordou indecisamente com os termos do contrato.

Often Confused With

indecisamente vs vagarosamente

Vagarosamente means 'slowly' in terms of speed, while indecisamente means 'hesitantly' in terms of choice.

indecisamente vs inseguramente

Inseguramente refers to a lack of confidence; indecisamente refers to a lack of decision.

indecisamente vs indiretamente

Indiretamente means 'indirectly', which is a completely different concept of direction.

Idioms & Expressions

"em cima do muro"

— Literally 'on top of the wall'. Used when someone is acting indecisively and won't take a side.

O político está em cima do muro sobre a nova lei.

informal

"nem sim, nem não"

— Neither yes nor no. Describes a state of acting or speaking indecisively.

Ele não disse nada concreto, ficou no nem sim, nem não.

neutral

"entre a cruz e a espada"

— Between the cross and the sword (Between a rock and a hard place). A situation that makes one act indecisively.

Estou entre a cruz e a espada e ajo indecisamente.

neutral

"cozinhar em banho-maria"

— To cook in a bain-marie. To keep someone waiting or act indecisively to gain time.

A empresa está nos cozinhando em banho-maria indecisamente.

informal

"dar uma de João sem braço"

— To act as if one is ignorant or incapable to avoid a decision.

Ele agiu indecisamente dando uma de João sem braço.

slang

"fazer cera"

— To stall or waste time instead of making a move.

Pare de fazer cera e agir indecisamente!

informal

"trocar seis por meia dúzia"

— To exchange six for half a dozen. Acting indecisively because the choices are essentially the same.

Eles mudam o plano indecisamente, mas é trocar seis por meia dúzia.

informal

"dar voltas ao bilhar grande"

— To go around the big billiard table. To act indecisively or take the long way around a point.

Ele falou muito, deu voltas ao bilhar grande indecisamente.

informal

"chover no molhado"

— To rain on what's already wet. Acting indecisively by repeating the same useless actions.

Discutir isso agora é chover no molhado e agir indecisamente.

informal

"ficar a ver navios"

— To be left watching ships. To be left behind because one acted too indecisively.

Se você agir indecisamente, vai ficar a ver navios.

informal

Easily Confused

indecisamente vs hesitantemente

They are very similar in meaning.

Hesitantemente emphasizes the pause before acting; indecisamente emphasizes the lack of a final choice.

Ele parou hesitantemente; ele escolheu indecisamente.

indecisamente vs vacilantemente

Both involve doubt.

Vacilantemente often implies a physical swaying or a frequent changing of mind.

A criança andava vacilantemente; o adulto escolhia indecisamente.

indecisamente vs duvidosamente

Both involve a lack of certainty.

Duvidosamente implies that the person suspects something is wrong or untrue.

Ele olhou duvidosamente para o documento.

indecisamente vs precariamente

Both can describe poor actions.

Precariamente means 'poorly' or 'unstable', not necessarily hesitant.

A ponte foi construída precariamente.

indecisamente vs discretamente

Similar sounding ending.

Discretamente means 'discreetly' or 'quietly'.

Ele saiu discretamente da sala.

Sentence Patterns

Sujeito + Verbo + indecisamente.

Eu ando indecisamente.

Sujeito + estar + particípio + indecisamente.

Ele estava parado indecisamente.

Sujeito + Verbo + indecisamente + sobre + substantivo.

Ela falou indecisamente sobre o emprego.

Indecisamente, + sujeito + verbo.

Indecisamente, o governo recuou.

Sujeito + Verbo + Adjetivo + e + indecisamente.

Ele agiu calma e indecisamente.

Oração subordinada, + sujeito + verbo + indecisamente.

Embora fosse tarde, ele esperou indecisamente.

Substantivo + particípio + indecisamente.

Um projeto conduzido indecisamente.

Verbo (infinitivo) + indecisamente + é + adjetivo.

Agir indecisamente é perigoso.

Word Family

Nouns

decisão (decision)

indecisão (indecision)

decidibilidade (decidability)

Verbs

decidir (to decide)

decidir-se (to make up one's mind)

Adjectives

decisivo (decisive)

indeciso (undecided)

decidido (determined)

hesitação

dúvida

escolha

opção

vontade

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Portuguese, medium-low in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Ele agiu indecisomente. → Ele agiu indecisamente.
The adverb must be formed from the feminine adjective 'indecisa'.
Ele indecisamente falou. → Ele falou indecisamente.
While not strictly wrong, the adverb usually follows the verb in standard Portuguese.
Eu estou indecisamente. → Eu estou indeciso.
Use the adjective with the verb 'estar' to describe a state, not the adverb.
Ela caminhou vagarosamente (meaning hesitant). → Ela caminhou indecisamente.
Vagarosamente only means slow speed, not hesitation.
Eles agiram indecisamentes. → Eles agiram indecisamente.
Adverbs never change for plural.

Tips

The -mente Rule

Always use the feminine form of the adjective as the base. Indeciso -> Indecisa -> Indecisamente.

Expand Synonyms

Learn 'irresolutamente' for a very high-level academic synonym.

Nasal Sounds

Practice the nasal 'in' at the start by humming through your nose while saying 'i'.

Avoid Clutter

If you have many adverbs, use 'indecisamente' sparingly to avoid making sentences too long.

Idiom Alert

Combine 'indecisamente' with 'em cima do muro' in your mind to remember the meaning.

Business Usage

Use it to describe 'hesitant market reactions' in financial reports.

Poetic Effect

Use it at the start of a sentence to create a sense of suspense.

Ending Sounds

Don't confuse the ending '-mente' with the word 'mente' (mind/he lies).

The Root

Focus on the root 'decis-' (decision) to always remember the core meaning.

Daily Life

Next time you can't choose a snack, think: 'Estou agindo indecisamente'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'In-Decisively'. The 'in-' means 'not', 'decisa' is like 'decision', and '-mente' is '-ly'. So, 'Not-Decision-ly'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing at a crossroads with a signpost where all the arrows are spinning in circles.

Word Web

Dúvida Hesitação Escolha Caminho Mente Ação Lentidão Confusão

Challenge

Try to use 'indecisamente' to describe the next time you are choosing what to watch on TV. Say it out loud: 'Estou escolhendo um filme indecisamente.'

Word Origin

From the Latin 'in-' (not) + 'decisus' (decided), the past participle of 'decidere' (to cut off/decide), plus the suffix '-mente' (from 'mens, mentis', meaning mind or manner).

Original meaning: The original sense was to act with a mind that has not 'cut off' or narrowed down the options.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to describe people with genuine anxiety disorders in a dismissive way.

English speakers often use 'umming and ahhing' to describe the verbal part of acting indecisively.

Fernando Pessoa's poetry often explores the state of being indecisive or fragmented. The character Hamlet is the ultimate example of someone who acts indecisamente. Machado de Assis often uses characters who deliberate indecisamente on their social status.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

Olhar indecisamente para os preços
Escolher indecisamente a cor
Pagar indecisamente com cartão
Sair da loja indecisamente

Politics

Votar indecisamente
Apoiar indecisamente o candidato
Falar indecisamente sobre a lei
Agir indecisamente na crise

Relationships

Terminar indecisamente
Ligar indecisamente para o ex
Sorrir indecisamente
Aceitar o convite indecisamente

Driving

Virar indecisamente
Parar indecisamente
Acelerar indecisamente
Mudar de faixa indecisamente

Academic

Concluir indecisamente
Argumentar indecisamente
Citar indecisamente
Responder indecisamente ao professor

Conversation Starters

"Você já agiu indecisamente em uma situação importante?"

"Por que algumas pessoas respondem indecisamente a perguntas simples?"

"Você prefere pessoas que agem decididamente ou indecisamente?"

"O que você faz quando percebe que está caminhando indecisamente?"

"Como evitar agir indecisamente em um primeiro encontro?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma vez que você olhou indecisamente para um cardápio em um país estrangeiro.

Escreva sobre um personagem que vive sua vida inteira agindo indecisamente.

Reflita sobre as consequências de um governo que age indecisamente durante uma emergência.

Como você se sente quando alguém fala indecisamente com você sobre o futuro?

Analise um momento em que agir indecisamente foi, na verdade, a melhor opção.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, although local idioms like 'em cima do muro' might be more common in casual speech.

Usually, it is used for people or entities (like governments). However, you can use it metaphorically for things like 'a bússola' (the compass) or 'a luz' (the light) to describe erratic movement.

'Indeciso' is an adjective (He is undecided), while 'indecisamente' is an adverb (He acted indecisively).

Yes, it is considered more formal than using phrases like 'com dúvida'. It is perfect for essays and reports.

In Portugal, it's 'men-te' (soft 'e'). In Brazil, it's often 'men-tchee'.

Not directly. You would say 'Ele é indeciso', not 'Ele é indecisamente'. You use it with action verbs.

No, but you can say 'com hesitação' which is two words but might feel easier to say.

Rarely. Being indecisive is usually seen as a negative or neutral trait.

No, adverbs in Portuguese do not change for gender, even though they are formed from the feminine adjective.

Very common, especially when describing political negotiations or economic trends.