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A2 adjective 11 min read

inexato

Examples inexato in 30 Seconds
Explanation inexato in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things as 'right' or 'wrong'. You probably use the word 'errado' for everything that isn't correct. 'Inexato' is a bit more advanced, but you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'not exactly right'. Imagine you are telling someone the time. If it is 10:02 and you say it is 10:00, that is 'inexato'. It's not a big lie, but it's not the perfect truth. At this level, don't worry too much about using it yourself yet. Just recognize that when you see 'in-' at the start of 'exato', it means 'not'. If you know 'exato' (exact), then 'inexato' is just the opposite. You might see it on a simple math test or when someone is talking about a clock. Remember: 'inexato' for boys/men/masculine things, and 'inexata' for girls/women/feminine things. It's a good word to have in your 'passive' vocabulary, meaning words you understand when you hear them, even if you don't use them in every sentence yet. Focus on the fact that it usually describes numbers, times, or information, rather than people's behavior.
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At the A2 level, you are building a more descriptive vocabulary. Instead of just saying things are 'good', 'bad', 'right', or 'wrong', you are starting to use more specific adjectives. 'Inexato' is a perfect word for this stage. It helps you talk about measurements, data, and information with more precision. For example, if you are describing a map that isn't very good, you can say 'O mapa é inexato'. This sounds much more natural than saying 'O mapa está errado'. In A2, you should start practicing the agreement of this adjective. If you are talking about 'informações' (information - feminine plural), you must say 'informações inexatas'. If you are talking about 'cálculos' (calculations - masculine plural), you must say 'cálculos inexatos'. You will likely encounter this word in news articles or in basic science or history texts. It's also useful when you are shopping and the price or the weight of something isn't quite what was advertised. Using 'inexato' shows that you understand the difference between a complete mistake and a lack of precision. It's a great 'bridge' word that takes you from basic Portuguese to a more intermediate level of expression.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'inexato' in both speaking and writing. At this stage, you are expected to handle more complex topics like work, school, and current events. 'Inexato' is very common in these areas. You might use it to critique a report at work: 'Os dados no relatório de vendas estão inexatos'. Or you might use it in a discussion about history: 'Muitos relatos históricos são inexatos porque foram escritos muito tempo depois dos eventos'. You should also start to notice the difference between 'inexato' and its synonyms like 'impreciso' or 'vago'. While 'vago' means there isn't enough information, 'inexato' means the information provided is slightly off. B1 learners should also be aware of the noun 'inexatidão' (inaccuracy), which is the state of being inexato. For example: 'A inexatidão dos dados causou um grande problema'. Using the noun form along with the adjective shows a higher level of grammatical control. You should also be able to use the word in the context of 'ciências inexatas' (the humanities), understanding the cultural distinction between subjects that have one right answer and those that are open to interpretation.
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At the B2 level, you are moving towards fluency and should use 'inexato' with nuance and stylistic variety. You understand that 'inexato' isn't just about numbers; it can be about the 'inexactitude' of memory, feelings, or artistic expression. You might read a book review where the critic says the author's portrayal of a city is 'inexata' but 'poética'. You are also expected to use this word in formal debates or academic writing. Instead of saying a theory is 'wrong', a B2 speaker might say 'A teoria baseia-se em premissas inexatas', which sounds much more professional and analytical. You should also be comfortable with the adverbial phrases like 'de modo inexato' or 'de forma inexata'. At this level, you can also use the word to talk about social situations, such as when someone gives an 'inexact' account of an event to avoid trouble, without calling them a liar directly. You understand the diplomatic power of the word. You can also handle complex sentence structures where 'inexato' is separated from its noun by other clauses, maintaining correct gender and number agreement throughout the sentence.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'inexato' should be virtually native-like. you understand the subtle connotations it carries in different registers. In a legal context, you know that an 'afirmação inexata' can have specific legal ramifications that are different from a 'mentira'. In literature, you appreciate how authors like Fernando Pessoa or Saramago might use 'inexato' to describe the fragmented nature of human consciousness or the impossibility of truly knowing another person. You can use the word rhetorically to undermine an opponent's argument by pointing out 'pequenas inexatidões' (small inaccuracies) that cast doubt on their entire point. Your vocabulary is rich enough to choose between 'inexato', 'errôneo', 'falaz', 'impreciso', or 'desajustado' depending on the exact flavor of 'wrongness' you want to convey. You also understand the historical etymology (from Latin 'inexactus') and how this word fits into the broader family of Romance languages. You can discuss the philosophy of science and the idea that all human measurement is inherently 'inexato' to some degree. Your mastery of the word is not just about grammar, but about the cultural and intellectual weight it carries in the Lusophone world.
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At the C2 level, 'inexato' is a tool you use with absolute precision (ironically). You can engage in deep philosophical or scientific discussions where the concept of 'inexactness' is the central theme. You might write a thesis or a high-level professional report where you distinguish between 'erro sistemático' and 'resultado inexato'. You are sensitive to the rhythm of the word in a sentence, perhaps choosing it over 'impreciso' because its four syllables (in-e-xa-to) provide a better cadence in a particular paragraph. You understand the most obscure uses of the word, such as in old legal codes or archaic poetry. You can play with the word, using it ironically or metaphorically. For example, describing a person's life as an 'inexact science'. You have a complete grasp of all related words, including the verb 'inexatizar' (though rare) or the complex noun 'inexatitude'. There is no context—be it a technical manual for a nuclear reactor, a Supreme Court ruling, or a modernist poem—where you would be confused by the word or use it incorrectly. You have reached a level where 'inexato' is not just a word you know, but a concept you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning in the Portuguese language.
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Examples

inexato in 30 Seconds

  • Inexato means 'inexact' or 'inaccurate' in Portuguese.
  • It is a formal adjective used for data, numbers, and facts.
  • It changes to 'inexata', 'inexatos', or 'inexatas' to match the noun.
  • It is the opposite of 'exato' and more specific than 'errado'.

The Portuguese word inexato is an adjective that functions as the direct equivalent of the English word 'inexact' or 'inaccurate'. At its core, it describes something that lacks precision, correctness, or strict adherence to a known standard or truth. While beginners often rely on the word errado (wrong) to describe errors, inexato provides a more sophisticated nuance. It suggests that while something might not be entirely false, it is not perfectly aligned with the facts or the required level of detail. This distinction is crucial in academic, professional, and scientific settings where 'wrong' might be too blunt, but 'imprecise' is the specific problem at hand.

Semantic Range
The term covers physical measurements, mathematical calculations, historical accounts, and even personal descriptions. If a clock is three minutes fast, the time it displays is inexato. If a witness describes a suspect but forgets the color of their jacket, the description might be considered inexata due to its lack of completeness or detail.

O resultado do cálculo matemático revelou-se inexato após a revisão do professor.

In daily life, you will encounter this word when dealing with bureaucracies or technical reports. For example, if you fill out a form with a typo in your address, the clerk might inform you that the information is inexata. It is also common in journalism when a reporter clarifies that earlier figures were not quite right. The word carries a certain level of formality; you wouldn't typically use it to tell a friend they are wrong about a trivial matter like a movie's release date—in that case, não está certo or está errado is more natural. However, in any context where data integrity is paramount, this is the preferred term.

Gender and Number Agreement
As an adjective ending in '-o', it must agree with the noun it modifies. Use inexato for masculine singular nouns (o dado inexato), inexata for feminine singular nouns (a resposta inexata), inexatos for masculine plural (os números inexatos), and inexatas for feminine plural (as informações inexatas).

Muitas vezes, um mapa antigo pode fornecer uma localização inexata devido à falta de tecnologia na época.

Furthermore, inexato is often used in the plural form ciências inexatas (inexact sciences) to refer to the humanities or social sciences, as opposed to ciências exatas (exact sciences) like physics or mathematics. This usage highlights the philosophical application of the word: the idea that some truths are subject to interpretation or lack a single, measurable point of correctness. Understanding this word helps you navigate the spectrum between absolute truth and absolute falsehood, allowing for the grey areas where precision is simply missing. It is a word about quality and measurement rather than just moral rightness or wrongness.

Using inexato correctly requires attention to the noun it describes. Because it is a standard four-form adjective, its ending changes to match gender and number. In this section, we will look at how it integrates into various sentence structures, from simple descriptions to complex technical observations. Most commonly, it follows the verb ser (to be) or estar (to be). Use ser when describing an inherent quality (e.g., an inherently imprecise method) and estar when describing a temporary state (e.g., a current calculation that happens to be wrong).

With Abstract Nouns
When modifying abstract concepts like 'memory' or 'time', inexato adds a poetic or psychological layer. 'Uma lembrança inexata' suggests a memory that has faded or been distorted over time.

O relógio da estação está inexato, por isso perdi o trem.

In scientific writing, you will often see it paired with words like valor (value), medida (measure), or dados (data). For instance, 'Os dados coletados são inexatos' implies that the methodology might be flawed or the tools were not calibrated correctly. Note that in these contexts, inexato is almost always placed *after* the noun. Placing it before the noun is rare and usually reserved for literary emphasis, though even then, it is less common than with other adjectives.

Common Sentence Patterns
1. [Noun] + [Verb] + inexato/a: 'O peso é inexato.'
2. [Determiner] + [Noun] + inexato/a: 'Esta informação inexata causou problemas.'
3. [Verb] + algo + inexato/a: 'Ele disse algo inexato durante a reunião.'

A tradução literal pode ser inexata se não considerarmos o contexto cultural.

Another important usage is in the context of 'inexact amounts'. If you are giving someone a rough estimate, you might say the number is inexato but helpful. For example, 'É um número inexato, mas dá uma ideia do custo'. This shows that the speaker is aware of the lack of precision but finds the information useful nonetheless. In legal contexts, an 'afirmação inexata' (inaccurate statement) can have serious consequences, often implying a lack of due diligence rather than a deliberate lie (which would be mentira). Thus, the word bridges the gap between a simple mistake and a formal error.

Os historiadores debatem se aquele relato é inexato ou totalmente fictício.

Pluralization Examples
- Os detalhes são inexatos (Masculine Plural)
- As previsões meteorológicas foram inexatas (Feminine Plural)

While inexato isn't a word you'll hear every five minutes in a casual conversation at a bar, it is ubiquitous in specific professional and intellectual environments. If you watch the Portuguese or Brazilian evening news (like Jornal Nacional), you will frequently hear anchors using inexato when correcting previous reports or discussing government statistics. It is the 'safe' word for journalists; it points out an error without necessarily accusing anyone of lying. It focuses on the data rather than the intent.

In the Classroom
In schools and universities, especially in Portugal and Brazil, teachers use this word to provide feedback. Instead of just marking an answer with an 'X', a professor might write 'raciocínio inexato' (inexact reasoning), suggesting that the student's logic was on the right track but failed to reach the precise conclusion required.

O cientista explicou que o modelo anterior era inexato para prever o clima tropical.

You will also hear it in the world of finance and accounting. If an audit finds discrepancies, the auditors will describe the balance sheets as containing valores inexatos. In this setting, the word carries a weight of responsibility. It implies that a correction is mandatory. Interestingly, in Portuguese literature, authors use inexato to describe the elusive nature of truth or feelings. A character might describe their own feelings as inexatos, meaning they are confused or cannot quite put a finger on what they are experiencing.

Legal and Formal Contexts
In a courtroom or a legal document, 'declarações inexatas' can lead to the annulment of a contract. Lawyers use this term to describe discrepancies between testimony and physical evidence. It is a precise word for lack of precision.

A notícia publicada ontem continha dados inexatos sobre a economia.

Finally, in technical manuals or assembly instructions, you might find warnings about ajustes inexatos (imprecise adjustments). If you are building furniture or repairing an engine, an 'ajuste inexato' could mean the parts won't fit or the machine will fail. In these situations, the word serves as a technical warning. Whether you are reading a high-brow novel by Machado de Assis or a modern technical blog post about software bugs, inexato will appear whenever the concept of 'close, but not quite' needs to be expressed formally.

O GPS às vezes dá uma posição inexata quando estamos entre prédios altos.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Portuguese is overusing errado (wrong) and neglecting more precise adjectives like inexato. While errado is correct for '2+2=5', inexato is much better for 'The population of Brazil is about 100 million' (it's actually over 200 million). The mistake here is a lack of register awareness; using errado in a formal report can sound childish or overly aggressive.

Agreement Errors
Because 'inexato' ends in '-o', many learners forget to change it to 'inexata' for feminine nouns. For example, 'A resposta está inexato' is incorrect. It must be 'A resposta está inexata'. Always look at the noun's gender before choosing the ending.

Incorreto: As medidas são inexato. Correto: As medidas são inexatas.

Another common error is confusing inexato with injusto (unfair). While they sound slightly similar to a beginner's ear, they are completely different. Inexato refers to accuracy, while injusto refers to justice or fairness. Additionally, some learners try to use 'impreciso' and 'inexato' interchangeably in every situation. While they are synonyms, impreciso often refers to a lack of detail (vague), while inexato refers to a deviation from the truth (incorrectness).

The 'In-' Prefix Confusion
Learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of the 'in-' prefix. In Portuguese, the 'i' is a nasalized vowel. If you pronounce it like the English 'in' (with a hard 'n'), it might be harder for locals to understand quickly. Focus on the nasal sound, similar to the end of the word 'pudim'.

Muitos alunos confundem inexato com 'vago'. Algo vago não tem detalhes; algo inexato tem detalhes, mas eles estão errados.

Finally, watch out for the adverbial form. In English, we say 'inexactly'. In Portuguese, you might be tempted to say 'inexatamente'. While this is a real word, it is much less common than using a phrase like de forma inexata or sem precisão. Overusing long '-mente' adverbs can make your Portuguese sound heavy and unnatural. Try to stick to the adjective or use prepositional phrases to sound more like a native speaker.

Summary of Mistake Prevention
1. Check gender (o/a).
2. Check number (s).
3. Use for data, not personality.
4. Prefer over 'errado' in formal contexts.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know the alternatives to inexato and when to use them. The most common synonym is impreciso. While they are very close, impreciso is often used when there is a lack of clarity or focus, like a blurry photo or a vague instruction. Inexato, on the other hand, is specifically about the failure to meet a factual or numerical standard. If you give someone the wrong change, it is inexato; if you describe a person as 'tall-ish', it is impreciso.

Inexato vs. Errado
'Errado' is the universal word for 'wrong'. It can mean morally wrong, factually wrong, or simply incorrect. 'Inexato' is a subset of 'errado'. All things that are inexata are technically errada, but not everything errada is inexata. For example, stealing is 'errado', but it is not 'inexato'.

Dizer que o sol gira em torno da terra é errado; dizer que o sol está a 100 km de distância é inexato.

Another alternative is incorreto. This is very common in formal tests and examinations. If you select the wrong option in a multiple-choice quiz, the computer will likely say 'Resposta incorreta'. Inexato is slightly more descriptive of *why* it is incorrect—it implies a measurement or detail error. Another word is falho, which means 'flawed'. This is used when a system, logic, or piece of equipment has a defect that leads to errors. A 'raciocínio falho' might lead to an 'afirmação inexata'.

Synonym Comparison Table
- Impreciso: Vague, lacking detail.
- Incorreto: Simply not right (very common in exams).
- Equivocado: Mistaken (often used for people's opinions).
- Vago: Very broad, not specific enough.

A sua interpretação do texto está equivocada, embora os dados citados não sejam inexatos.

On the opposite side, the primary antonym is exato. Other opposites include preciso, correto, and certeiro. In a high-stakes environment like a surgery or a space launch, only 'precisão exata' is acceptable. By learning these related words, you build a semantic web that allows you to express different degrees of accuracy. You can move from the simple 'certo/errado' binary to a more sophisticated understanding of 'exato/inexato', 'preciso/impreciso', and 'correto/incorreto'. This is the mark of a student moving from A2 to B1 and beyond.

Buscamos a resposta exata, mas por enquanto temos apenas um valor aproxidado.

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Examples by Level

1

O número está inexato.

The number is inexact.

Masculine singular agreement with 'número'.

2

A hora é inexata.

The time is inaccurate.

Feminine singular agreement with 'hora'.

3

Isto é inexato.

This is inexact.

Neutral 'isto' usually takes the masculine adjective.

4

Os preços são inexatos.

The prices are inexact.

Masculine plural agreement.

5

As datas são inexatas.

The dates are inaccurate.

Feminine plural agreement.

6

O mapa é inexato.

The map is inexact.

Adjective follows the noun 'mapa'.

7

Um resultado inexato.

An inexact result.

Indefinite article 'um' matches 'resultado'.

8

Não é exato, é inexato.

It is not exact, it is inexact.

Shows the 'in-' prefix negation.

1

A informação no site está inexata.

The information on the website is inaccurate.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary state of the website.

2

Ele deu um endereço inexato para a festa.

He gave an inexact address for the party.

Adjective modifying the masculine noun 'endereço'.

3

Os cálculos do aluno foram inexatos.

The student's calculations were inexact.

Plural masculine agreement.

4

Esta balança é inexata para pesar ouro.

This scale is inaccurate for weighing gold.

Feminine singular agreement with 'balança'.

5

Muitas respostas no teste estavam inexatas.

Many answers on the test were inaccurate.

Feminine plural agreement.

6

O relato da testemunha parece inexato.

The witness's account seems inexact.

Verb 'parece' links the subject to the adjective.

7

Recebemos dados inexatos sobre o clima.

We received inaccurate data about the weather.

Plural noun 'dados' followed by the adjective.

8

O valor total da conta é inexato.

The total value of the bill is inexact.

Masculine singular agreement with 'valor'.

1

A tradução automática costuma ser inexata em textos literários.

Machine translation is usually inexact in literary texts.

Adverb 'costuma' indicates a general habit.

2

O historiador criticou o documento por ser inexato nos detalhes.

The historian criticized the document for being inexact in the details.

Infinitive 'ser' used after the preposition 'por'.

3

É perigoso usar instrumentos de medida inexatos na construção.

It is dangerous to use inexact measuring instruments in construction.

Adjective 'inexatos' modifies 'instrumentos'.

4

A previsão do tempo para amanhã revelou-se inexata.

Tomorrow's weather forecast proved to be inaccurate.

Reflexive verb 'revelou-se' means 'turned out to be'.

5

Muitos boatos na internet contêm fatos inexatos.

Many rumors on the internet contain inaccurate facts.

Plural agreement with the masculine noun 'fatos'.

6

O sensor de temperatura está fornecendo uma leitura inexata.

The temperature sensor is providing an inaccurate reading.

Present continuous 'está fornecendo'.

7

Consideramos as suas conclusões inexatas devido à falta de provas.

We consider your conclusions inaccurate due to lack of evidence.

Verb 'considerar' takes a direct object and an adjective.

8

O cronograma do projeto é inexato e precisa de revisão.

The project schedule is inexact and needs revision.

Two adjectives connected by 'e' (inexato, precisa).

1

A memória humana é frequentemente inexata e sujeita a sugestões.

Human memory is often inexact and subject to suggestion.

Adverb 'frequentemente' modifies the frequency of the state.

2

O autor utiliza uma linguagem inexata para criar um clima de mistério.

The author uses inexact language to create an atmosphere of mystery.

Adjective 'inexata' modifies the feminine noun 'linguagem'.

3

As estatísticas apresentadas pelo governo foram consideradas inexatas pela oposição.

The statistics presented by the government were considered inaccurate by the opposition.

Passive voice 'foram consideradas'.

4

O diagnóstico inicial do médico provou ser inexato após novos exames.

The doctor's initial diagnosis proved to be inexact after new exams.

Adjective 'inexato' modifies 'diagnóstico'.

5

Há uma linha tênue entre uma estimativa útil e um dado inexato.

There is a fine line between a useful estimate and an inexact datum.

Uses 'ha' (there is) to state existence.

6

A descrição do suspeito era tão inexata que a polícia não pôde prendê-lo.

The description of the suspect was so inexact that the police couldn't arrest him.

Result clause 'tão... que'.

7

Trabalhar com ferramentas inexatas compromete a qualidade do produto final.

Working with inexact tools compromises the quality of the final product.

Gerund 'trabalhar' acts as the subject.

8

O senso comum é muitas vezes um guia inexato para a verdade científica.

Common sense is often an inexact guide to scientific truth.

Masculine agreement with 'guia' (in this context).

1

A retórica do político estava repleta de afirmações inexatas e meias-verdades.

The politician's rhetoric was full of inexact statements and half-truths.

Phrase 'repleta de' takes the feminine plural 'afirmações'.

2

O conceito de tempo na física quântica torna as nossas percepções cotidianas inexatas.

The concept of time in quantum physics makes our everyday perceptions inexact.

Verb 'tornar' (to make/become) used with an object.

3

Embora o relato seja literariamente belo, ele permanece historicamente inexato.

Although the account is literarily beautiful, it remains historically inexact.

Adverbs 'literariamente' and 'historicamente' provide context.

4

A inexatidão das medidas resultou em um erro de cálculo catastrófico na engenharia.

The inaccuracy of the measurements resulted in a catastrophic calculation error in engineering.

Uses the noun form 'inexatidão'.

5

Qualquer tentativa de definir a alma humana será sempre inexata e incompleta.

Any attempt to define the human soul will always be inexact and incomplete.

Future tense 'será' with two adjectives.

6

O artigo científico foi rejeitado por conter métodos de amostragem inexatos.

The scientific article was rejected for containing inexact sampling methods.

Masculine plural agreement with 'métodos'.

7

A cartografia antiga, embora fascinante, é frequentemente inexata para a navegação moderna.

Ancient cartography, though fascinating, is frequently inexact for modern navigation.

Contrast between 'antiga' and 'moderna'.

8

A subjetividade torna o julgamento humano inerentemente inexato em questões de gosto.

Subjectivity makes human judgment inherently inexact in matters of taste.

Adverb 'inerentemente' (inherently).

1

A ontologia do ser, tal como proposta, padece de uma fundamentação inexata.

The ontology of being, as proposed, suffers from an inexact foundation.

Formal verb 'padecer' (to suffer from).

2

O autor navega pelas águas da memória, aceitando o seu caráter inexato e fragmentário.

The author navigates the waters of memory, accepting its inexact and fragmentary character.

Adjective 'inexato' modifies the masculine 'caráter'.

3

As flutuações quânticas sugerem que a própria realidade pode ser fundamentalmente inexata.

Quantum fluctuations suggest that reality itself may be fundamentally inexact.

Modal verb 'pode ser' indicating possibility.

4

O rigor acadêmico não tolera a perpetuação de dados inexatos em teses de doutorado.

Academic rigor does not tolerate the perpetuation of inexact data in doctoral theses.

Noun 'perpetuação' followed by 'de' and the object.

5

A tradução de poesia é o exercício supremo de lidar com o inexato e o intraduzível.

Poetry translation is the supreme exercise of dealing with the inexact and the untranslatable.

Substantive use of the adjective 'o inexato'.

6

A precisão absoluta é uma quimera; vivemos em um mundo de aproximações inexatas.

Absolute precision is a chimera; we live in a world of inexact approximations.

Semicolon separates two independent but related clauses.

7

O veredito foi anulado devido a uma instrução inexata dada ao júri pelo magistrado.

The verdict was overturned due to an inexact instruction given to the jury by the magistrate.

Passive participle 'dada' agrees with 'instrução'.

8

A hermenêutica jurídica busca mitigar os efeitos de textos legislativos inexatos.

Legal hermeneutics seeks to mitigate the effects of inexact legislative texts.

Technical terminology (hermenêutica, mitigar).

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