At the A1 level, 'largamente' might seem like a complex word because of its length, but the concept is simple. Think of it as a fancy way to say 'a lot' or 'in many places.' At this stage, you should focus on the relationship between 'largo' (wide) and 'largamente' (widely). Just as a wide road covers a lot of ground from side to side, 'largamente' describes an action that covers a lot of ground or involves many people. You will mostly encounter it in reading, especially in simple news articles or descriptions of regions. Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet; instead, try to recognize it when you see it paired with words like 'usado' (used) or 'conhecido' (known). It is a building block for understanding how Portuguese creates adverbs by adding '-mente' to adjectives. For example, if you know 'largo' means wide, you can guess that 'largamente' means widely. This is a crucial skill for A1 learners: breaking down long words into parts they already know. Imagine a big map where a certain color is spread everywhere—that color is 'largamente' distributed. Keep it simple and associate it with 'big scale' or 'many people.' You might see it in a sentence like 'O café é largamente produzido no Brasil' (Coffee is widely produced in Brazil). You already know 'café', 'produzido', and 'Brasil'. The word 'largamente' just tells you that it's not just a little bit of coffee, but a huge amount across the whole country.
As an A2 learner, you are beginning to expand your vocabulary beyond the most basic verbs and nouns. 'Largamente' is a perfect addition at this level because it introduces you to the formal side of Portuguese. You should start to notice how it modifies adjectives and verbs to show 'how much' or 'how widely' something happens. This is the level where you learn that 'largo' doesn't just mean 'wide' physically, but can also mean 'broad' in an abstract sense. You can start using 'largamente' in your writing to replace 'muito' when you want to be more specific about the scope. For instance, instead of saying 'Muitas pessoas conhecem este cantor,' you can say 'Este cantor é largamente conhecido.' This makes your Portuguese sound more mature and structured. You should also learn the common 'collocations'—words that naturally go together. 'Largamente utilizado' (widely used) and 'largamente aceito' (widely accepted) are the most useful ones for you. Practice identifying the root word 'largo' and remember that the '-mente' ending is just like '-ly' in English. This will help you decode hundreds of other Portuguese adverbs. At A2, you should also be careful not to confuse 'largamente' with 'longamente' (for a long time), as this is a very common mistake for learners at your level. Focus on the 'width' of the situation, not the 'length' of the time.
At the B1 level, you are moving into 'independent user' territory. You should be able to use 'largamente' comfortably in both writing and speaking to describe trends, social phenomena, and general opinions. At this stage, you should understand that 'largamente' is often used to create a passive-like structure that sounds very natural in Portuguese. Instead of saying 'Everyone thinks that...', you can say 'É largamente considerado que...' (It is widely considered that...). This allows you to speak more objectively and professionally. You will encounter this word frequently in media, such as newspapers like 'Público' or 'Folha de S. Paulo,' and in television news. You should also start to distinguish between 'largamente' and its synonyms like 'amplamente' or 'extensamente.' While they are often interchangeable, 'largamente' is your best choice when you want to emphasize the breadth of distribution or the scale of an effect. For example, in a business presentation, you might say 'O projeto foi largamente bem-sucedido' (The project was widely successful). This implies success across many different departments or metrics. You should also be aware of its less common meaning of 'generosity' or 'abundance,' although you will mostly use the 'widely' meaning. Practice using 'largamente' to summarize the consensus in a group or the popularity of a product. It's a great tool for making your arguments sound more convincing and well-supported.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'largamente.' You are no longer just using it as a synonym for 'widely'; you are using it to control the tone and emphasis of your sentences. You should understand how 'largamente' functions in academic and formal discourse to establish 'state-of-the-art' or 'common knowledge' contexts. For instance, 'Esta teoria foi largamente superada por novas descobertas' (This theory has been widely surpassed by new discoveries). Here, 'largamente' adds a layer of definitive scale to the transition of ideas. You should also be able to use it to describe the intensity of an action in a way that 'muito' cannot. If someone 'beneficiou-se largamente' (benefited extensively) from a situation, it implies a complex and broad range of benefits, not just a simple increase in something. You should also be comfortable using 'largamente' in the initial position of a sentence for rhetorical effect: 'Largamente ignorada pela elite, a cultura popular floresceu nas periferias.' This level of syntax shows a high command of Portuguese structure. Furthermore, you should be able to explain the difference between 'largamente' and 'grandemente' to a lower-level student, noting that 'largamente' focuses on the area of impact (the 'where' and 'to whom') while 'grandemente' focuses on the power of the impact (the 'how much'). Your goal at B2 is to use 'largamente' to weave more complex and precise descriptions of the world around you.
For C1 learners, 'largamente' is a precision instrument. You should be using it to navigate the subtle waters of formal Portuguese, particularly in professional, academic, or literary contexts. At this advanced stage, you should be sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic qualities of the word. Because it is a long, five-syllable word, its placement can affect the flow of a sentence. You might choose it over 'amplamente' specifically for its phonetic weight or to avoid repeating the 'am-' sound in a nearby word. You should also explore the historical and literary uses of 'largamente,' where it might appear in its physical sense of 'broadly' or 'with an open hand' (generosity). In a C1 level essay, 'largamente' is used to qualify claims and provide necessary context regarding the scope of a problem. You should also be familiar with how it interacts with different registers. In a highly formal legal document, 'largamente' might be used to describe the 'largura' (width) of a right or a jurisdiction. You should also be able to use it in complex idiomatic or semi-idiomatic structures, such as 'viver largamente' (to live large/abundantly). Your mastery of 'largamente' at C1 means you know not just what it means, but exactly where it fits to create the most impact, and you can use it to distinguish between things that are merely popular and things that are fundamentally integrated into a broad system.
At the C2 level, 'largamente' is part of your intuitive linguistic toolkit. You use it with the same ease as a native speaker, often without even thinking about it. At this level, you can appreciate the word's versatility across centuries of Portuguese literature, from the classical prose of the 19th century to modern technical journals. You understand that 'largamente' is not just about size or quantity, but about the 'breadth of being.' You can use it in philosophical discussions to describe ideas that are 'largamente' true (true in a broad, general sense) versus those that are true only in specific, narrow contexts. You are also a master of the 'negative' usage, using 'não largamente' to suggest a niche or specialized status with precision. Your ability to use 'largamente' alongside other sophisticated adverbs like 'transversalmente' (transversally) or 'omnipresentemente' (omnipresently) allows you to describe complex systems and global trends with absolute clarity. You can also play with the word's physical and metaphorical boundaries, perhaps using it in a poetic sense to describe a heart that 'ama largamente' (loves broadly/generously). At C2, 'largamente' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' you learned; it is a thread in the rich tapestry of your Portuguese expression, used to add texture, scale, and authority to your voice.

largamente in 30 Seconds

  • Largamente means 'widely' or 'broadly' in Portuguese.
  • It is used to describe the large scale or extent of an action.
  • Common in formal contexts like news, science, and business reports.
  • It is formed from 'largo' (wide) + '-mente' (the suffix for -ly).

The Portuguese word largamente is a versatile adverb that primarily translates to "widely," "broadly," or "to a great extent" in English. It is formed by the adjective largo (wide/broad) and the suffix -mente (equivalent to the English suffix -ly). While it can describe physical breadth, its most frequent use in modern Portuguese is abstract, referring to the scale, scope, or general acceptance of an idea, practice, or phenomenon. When you use largamente, you are emphasizing that something is not just happening, but happening on a significant scale across a broad spectrum of people, places, or instances.

Distribution and Scale
This word is the go-to choice when discussing how information, technology, or social trends spread. For instance, if a specific software is used by almost every company in a sector, it is largamente utilizado (widely used). It suggests a horizontal expansion across a field.

A nova tecnologia foi largamente adotada pelas indústrias locais para reduzir custos.

Consensus and Recognition
In academic or journalistic contexts, it describes general agreement. If a theory is accepted by most scientists, it is largamente aceito. This usage signals that there is little debate left regarding the popularity or validity of the subject in question.

Historically, the root largo relates to space. In early Portuguese, largamente might have described someone walking with wide steps or a river flowing broadly. Today, however, you will hear it in news reports about economic shifts, scientific breakthroughs, or cultural shifts. It carries a certain formal weight, making it more common in written reports, documentaries, and professional speeches than in very casual street slang, though it is perfectly understood by everyone. It is also used to describe generosity—giving largamente means giving without restriction or stinginess, echoing the idea of an open, "wide" hand.

O evento foi largamente divulgado em todas as redes sociais na semana passada.

Understanding the difference between largamente and muito is key for reaching an intermediate level. While muito is a general intensifier (very/much), largamente specifically targets the extent and breadth. You wouldn't say a coffee is largamente quente (widely hot), but you would say a coffee brand is largamente consumido (widely consumed). The focus is always on the area of influence or the number of people/things involved in the action.

Os benefícios do exercício físico são largamente conhecidos pela população mundial.

Generosity and Abundance
Less commonly, but still correctly, it can mean "profusely" or "generously." To live largamente suggests living with abundance or plenty, though confortavelmente or abundantemente are more common for that specific meaning today.

Eles contribuíram largamente para a reconstrução da biblioteca municipal.

Esta espécie de planta é largamente encontrada na região amazônica.

Using largamente correctly requires understanding its placement and the types of words it modifies. As an adverb of manner and degree, it usually follows the verb or precedes the adjective/past participle it qualifies. It serves to amplify the scope of the action. In this section, we will explore its grammatical positioning and common syntactic environments to help you sound more like a native speaker.

Modifying Past Participles (Passive Voice)
This is the most frequent usage. When something is being acted upon "widely," largamente sits between the auxiliary verb (usually ser or estar) and the main verb. For example: "O livro foi largamente lido." (The book was widely read).

A decisão do juiz foi largamente criticada pela imprensa nacional.

Emphasizing Distribution
When talking about where things are found or how they are spread, largamente adds a sense of geographical or demographic breadth. You can use it with verbs like distribuir (to distribute), espalhar (to spread), or encontrar (to find).

Os folhetos informativos foram largamente distribuídos durante a feira de saúde.

In formal writing, largamente can also appear at the beginning of a sentence to set the tone for the entire clause, though this is less common than placing it near the verb. For example: "Largamente ignorado no passado, o problema agora exige atenção urgente." (Widely ignored in the past, the problem now demands urgent attention). This placement highlights the extent of the ignorance as the primary context for the rest of the statement.

Sua contribuição para a ciência foi largamente reconhecida após sua morte.

When describing quantity or intensity in a more abstract sense, largamente functions as a synonym for "in great measure." If you want to say that someone benefited significantly from a policy, you can say: "Ele beneficiou-se largamente das novas regras." This implies that the benefits were not just minor, but substantial and broad in their impact on his life.

O projeto foi largamente financiado por investidores estrangeiros.

Comparison and Contrast
You can use largamente to show that one thing is much more prevalent than another. For example, comparing two methods: "O primeiro método é largamente superior ao segundo." (The first method is widely/vastly superior to the second).

A vacinação é largamente considerada a melhor defesa contra a doença.

Essas ideias foram largamente discutidas durante a conferência internacional.

While largamente might not be the first word a teenager uses to describe a cool video game, it is omnipresent in Portuguese-speaking society across several key domains. If you turn on the news in Lisbon, Luanda, or São Paulo, you are almost guaranteed to hear it within the first ten minutes of a broadcast. It is a fundamental building block of professional and informative discourse.

The World of News and Journalism
Journalists love this word because it adds authority and precision to their reporting of trends. Whether it's a strike that is largamente apoiada (widely supported) or a law that is largamente ignorada (largely ignored), it helps the reporter convey the scale of a situation without needing a specific percentage.

O novo imposto foi largamente contestado pelos pequenos empresários do setor têxtil.

Science and Academic Research
In textbooks and research papers, largamente is used to establish the context of a study. You will read about theories that were largamente difundidas (widely spread) in the 19th century or species that are largamente estudadas (extensively studied). It implies a consensus within the scientific community.

In the legal and political sphere, largamente describes the reach of policies. A politician might claim that their reforms will beneficiar largamente the middle class. Here, it functions as a synonym for "extensively" or "substantially," promising a significant impact rather than a minor one. It is a word of "big promises" and "large-scale impacts."

As reformas educacionais foram largamente inspiradas em modelos nórdicos de ensino.

Even in literature, although it's an adverb (and some writers avoid too many adverbs), largamente appears when an author wants to describe a panoramic view or a sweeping change. An author might describe a valley that opens largamente before the traveler, or a character who smiles largamente, expressing a joy that is uncontained and broad. In these cases, it leans back toward its physical roots of "width."

A porta da sala de estar estava largamente aberta, convidando o sol a entrar.

Daily Professional Life
In a corporate environment, you'll see this in emails and reports. "O software é largamente compatível com sistemas antigos." (The software is widely compatible with old systems). It communicates efficiency and broad utility.

O uso de energias renováveis tem sido largamente incentivado pelo governo federal.

O impacto ambiental da obra foi largamente debatido nas reuniões comunitárias.

While largamente is a useful word, English speakers and even early-stage Portuguese learners often trip over its nuances. Because it sounds somewhat formal, there is a temptation to use it everywhere to sound smarter, but this can lead to unnatural-sounding sentences. Let's break down the most common pitfalls so you can avoid them.

Confusing Largamente with Longamente
This is the #1 mistake. Largamente refers to width, breadth, or extent. Longamente refers to length or duration of time. If you say you talked to someone "largamente," you mean you discussed a wide range of topics. If you talked to them "longamente," you mean you talked for a long time. They are not interchangeable!

Errado: Eu esperei largamente pelo ônibus. (I waited "widely" for the bus - Makes no sense).
Correto: Eu esperei longamente pelo ônibus. (I waited a long time).

Overusing it as a synonym for 'Very'
You cannot use largamente to modify simple adjectives that don't imply a scale of distribution or quantity. You wouldn't say someone is largamente inteligente. You would say they are muito inteligente. Largamente needs a sense of "spread" or "extent."

Another mistake involves confusing largamente with grandemente. While they are close, grandemente focuses more on the magnitude or intensity of an effect, whereas largamente focuses on the scope or distribution. If a company grew grandemente, it increased in size/profit. If its products are largamente sold, they are found in many places. The distinction is subtle but important for high-level fluency.

O autor foi grandemente influenciado por Kafka. (Focus on intensity of influence).
O autor é largamente lido na Europa. (Focus on the number of readers/distribution).

Be careful with the physical meaning. While largamente can mean "broadly" in a physical sense, it's often more natural to use amplamente or just the adjective largo. For example, instead of saying "A janela estava largamente aberta," many natives would prefer "A janela estava escancarada" (wide open) or "totalmente aberta." Largamente in physical contexts can sometimes sound a bit archaic or overly poetic.

A notícia foi largamente espalhada, mas poucos acreditaram nela.

Misplacing in Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, largamente usually comes after the negation. "Não é largamente conhecido" (It is not widely known). Placing it elsewhere can change the emphasis in ways that might sound clunky to a native ear.

Este medicamento não é largamente recomendado para crianças pequenas.

As opiniões sobre o filme divergem largamente entre os críticos.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to use largamente and when to reach for one of its cousins. While they all deal with the idea of "a lot" or "big," their specific flavors vary. Exploring these alternatives will help you avoid repetition and achieve a more sophisticated level of expression.

Amplamente vs. Largamente
These are very close synonyms. Amplamente is perhaps even more common in academic writing. While largamente focuses on the horizontal "width" of distribution, amplamente (from amplo - ample/vast) focuses on the total volume or space covered. In 90% of cases, you can swap them, but amplamente feels slightly more formal.

O tema foi amplamente debatido no parlamento europeu.

Vastamente
Use vastamente when you want to emphasize an immense or uncountable scale. It is stronger than largamente. If something is vastamente superior, it isn't just better; it's in a different league entirely.

O novo processador é vastamente mais rápido que o modelo anterior.

Another important alternative is extensamente. This word specifically refers to the extension or thoroughness of an action. If you have studied a subject extensamente, you have covered every detail. Largamente would imply your study was broad, but extensamente implies it was deep and exhaustive.

A história da região foi extensamente documentada por historiadores locais.

Generalizadamente
This is a very specific adverb meaning "in a generalized way." Use it when talking about social behaviors or opinions that have become a general rule. It is less about "width" and more about "universality."

O descontentamento é generalizadamente sentido entre os funcionários da empresa.

Finally, in informal conversation, people often drop these long adverbs in favor of simpler structures. Instead of saying "É largamente usado," they might say "Muita gente usa" (Many people use it) or "É usado por todo o lado" (It's used everywhere). While largamente is beautiful and precise, knowing these casual alternatives will help you adapt to different social situations.

Esta expressão é largamente utilizada em Portugal, mas pouco no Brasil.

Os resultados foram largamente positivos, superando as expectativas iniciais.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'largus' also gives us the English word 'large,' but in Portuguese, 'largo' specifically means 'wide,' while 'grande' is the most common word for 'large/big.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /laɾ.ɡɐ.ˈmẽ.tɨ/
US /laʁ.ɡa.ˈmẽ.tʃi/
The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'MEN'.
Rhymes With
rapidamente lentamente claramente fortemente infelizmente totalmente finalmente realmente
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' in 'red'.
  • Stressing the 'lar' instead of the 'men'.
  • Mixing up the nasal 'en' sound with a flat 'en' sound.
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as a strong 'ay' sound in Portugal.
  • Forgetting that adverbs ending in -mente usually have a secondary stress on the root adjective's original stressed syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'largo' and the suffix '-mente'.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowing which verbs and adjectives it naturally pairs with.

Speaking 3/5

Long word to pronounce, but useful for structured arguments.

Listening 2/5

Very common in news, so you will hear it often.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

largo mente grande muito conhecido

Learn Next

amplamente extensamente vastamente geralmente principalmente

Advanced

transversalmente omnipresentemente profusamente abundantemente

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation with -mente

Take the feminine form of an adjective (larga) and add -mente = largamente.

Invariability of Adverbs

Largamente never changes to 'largamentes' or 'largamenta'.

Placement with Past Participles

Usually sits between 'ser/estar' and the participle: 'É largamente usado'.

Secondary Stress

Largamente has a primary stress on 'MEN' and a secondary one on 'LAR'.

Comparative of Adverbs

Use 'mais largamente' or 'tão largamente quanto' for comparisons.

Examples by Level

1

O café é largamente produzido no Brasil.

Coffee is widely produced in Brazil.

Largamente modifies the verb 'produzido' to show scale.

2

Este livro é largamente lido nas escolas.

This book is widely read in schools.

Used with the passive voice 'é lido'.

3

A internet é largamente usada hoje.

The internet is widely used today.

Adverbs ending in -mente are common for describing 'how'.

4

Ele é um ator largamente conhecido.

He is a widely known actor.

Largamente comes before the adjective 'conhecido'.

5

O sol brilha largamente no verão.

The sun shines broadly in the summer.

Here it describes the 'breadth' of the light.

6

Eles viajam largamente pela Europa.

They travel widely through Europe.

Shows the extent of the traveling.

7

A fruta é largamente vendida no mercado.

The fruit is widely sold in the market.

Describes the availability of the fruit.

8

O nome dele é largamente citado.

His name is widely cited.

Common in simple academic or formal contexts.

1

O novo modelo de carro foi largamente aceito.

The new car model was widely accepted.

Largamente + aceito is a very common pair.

2

As notícias foram largamente divulgadas na TV.

The news was widely broadcast on TV.

Divulgar means to spread or broadcast.

3

Este problema é largamente discutido agora.

This problem is widely discussed now.

Shows the current relevance of a topic.

4

O uso de plástico é largamente criticado.

The use of plastic is widely criticized.

Largamente + criticado shows general disapproval.

5

A empresa investiu largamente em tecnologia.

The company invested extensively in technology.

Largamente here means 'a large amount' or 'extensively'.

6

Ela sorriu largamente para os amigos.

She smiled broadly at her friends.

Physical use of the word meaning 'wide'.

7

Os benefícios são largamente visíveis.

The benefits are widely visible.

Modifies the adjective 'visíveis'.

8

A região é largamente habitada por pássaros.

The region is widely inhabited by birds.

Describes the distribution of a population.

1

O conceito foi largamente difundido no século XX.

The concept was widely spread in the 20th century.

Difundir is a more formal word for 'spread'.

2

A proposta foi largamente apoiada pelo sindicato.

The proposal was widely supported by the union.

Shows institutional or group consensus.

3

As opiniões variam largamente sobre este tema.

Opinions vary widely on this topic.

Variar largamente is a common way to show diversity.

4

O filme foi largamente premiado no exterior.

The film was widely awarded abroad.

Indicates multiple successes across different places.

5

Esta prática é largamente comum em áreas rurais.

This practice is widely common in rural areas.

Largamente comum is slightly redundant but used for emphasis.

6

O autor beneficiou-se largamente da sua fama.

The author benefited extensively from his fame.

Implies a significant, broad benefit.

7

A conferência foi largamente frequentada por peritos.

The conference was widely attended by experts.

Frequentada means 'attended' or 'visited'.

8

O solo foi largamente afetado pela seca.

The soil was extensively affected by the drought.

Describes the physical extent of damage.

1

A validade do estudo é largamente questionada.

The validity of the study is widely questioned.

Suggests a broad lack of consensus.

2

O sistema é largamente baseado em princípios éticos.

The system is largely based on ethical principles.

Largamente here means 'for the most part'.

3

Tais medidas são largamente insuficientes para o caso.

Such measures are widely insufficient for the case.

Used to intensify the adjective 'insuficientes'.

4

O impacto da crise foi largamente subestimado.

The impact of the crisis was widely underestimated.

Common in economic and political analysis.

5

A obra de Camões é largamente estudada na universidade.

Camões' work is extensively studied at the university.

Indicates deep and broad academic attention.

6

O governo contribuiu largamente para o desenvolvimento.

The government contributed extensively to development.

Focuses on the scale of the contribution.

7

As novas normas foram largamente ignoradas pela população.

The new rules were widely ignored by the population.

Contrast between a rule and the general behavior.

8

A tecnologia é largamente superior às versões anteriores.

The technology is vastly superior to previous versions.

Largamente superior is a strong comparative phrase.

1

Largamente ignorado no início, o pintor tornou-se icónico.

Widely ignored at the start, the painter became iconic.

Adverbial phrase at the start of the sentence for emphasis.

2

A retórica do político foi largamente criticada por ser vaga.

The politician's rhetoric was widely criticized for being vague.

Focuses on the specific nature of the criticism.

3

O fenómeno é largamente atribuído às alterações climáticas.

The phenomenon is widely attributed to climate change.

Atribuído a is a common collocation with largamente.

4

O autor discorre largamente sobre a condição humana.

The author discourses extensively on the human condition.

Discorrer largamente means to speak/write at length and breadth.

5

As evidências sugerem algo largamente diferente do esperado.

The evidence suggests something widely different from expected.

Largamente diferente emphasizes the gap in expectations.

6

A infraestrutura foi largamente financiada por fundos privados.

The infrastructure was extensively funded by private funds.

Formal financial/business context.

7

O espaço da galeria era largamente iluminado por claraboias.

The gallery space was broadly illuminated by skylights.

Physical description of light distribution.

8

A sua influência faz-se sentir largamente na música moderna.

His influence is felt widely in modern music.

Fazer-se sentir largamente is a sophisticated phrase.

1

A ontologia de Heidegger foi largamente debatida no século XX.

Heidegger's ontology was extensively debated in the 20th century.

Academic/Philosophical register.

2

O conceito de justiça varia largamente entre as culturas.

The concept of justice varies widely across cultures.

Discussing abstract universal concepts.

3

A sua prosa, largamente descritiva, evoca paisagens idílicas.

His prose, extensively descriptive, evokes idyllic landscapes.

Literary analysis register.

4

O projeto peca por ser largamente ambicioso e pouco prático.

The project fails for being overly ambitious and impractical.

Pecar por ser means 'to fail/err by being'.

5

As ramificações legais do caso são largamente desconhecidas.

The legal ramifications of the case are largely unknown.

Formal legal/analytical context.

6

A biodiversidade local foi largamente preservada pela reserva.

The local biodiversity was extensively preserved by the reserve.

Environmental/Scientific register.

7

A sua generosidade manifestou-se largamente durante a crise.

His generosity manifested itself broadly during the crisis.

Using the older sense of 'generosity/openness'.

8

O tecido social foi largamente alterado pela migração em massa.

The social fabric was extensively altered by mass migration.

Sociological/Formal register.

Common Collocations

largamente utilizado
largamente aceito
largamente difundido
largamente conhecido
largamente ignorado
largamente superado
largamente discutido
largamente aplicado
largamente recompensado
largamente preferido

Common Phrases

Diferir largamente

— To be very different or to disagree significantly.

As nossas opiniões diferem largamente.

Contribuir largamente

— To give a lot or have a big impact on a result.

Ela contribuiu largamente para o sucesso da festa.

Viver largamente

— To live with abundance or without financial worries.

Depois de ganhar a lotaria, passou a viver largamente.

Abrir largamente

— To open something (like a door or eyes) completely.

Ele abriu largamente a janela para entrar ar fresco.

Citar largamente

— To mention someone or something many times in a text.

O filósofo é largamente citado nesta tese.

Beneficiar largamente

— To get a lot of advantages from something.

A cidade beneficiou largamente com o novo turismo.

Influenciar largamente

— To have a broad and deep effect on someone or something.

O jazz influenciou largamente a música pop.

Superar largamente

— To go far beyond a limit or expectation.

As vendas superaram largamente as previsões.

Reconhecer largamente

— To be acknowledged by almost everyone.

O seu talento é largamente reconhecido por todos.

Distribuir largamente

— To hand out or spread something across a large area.

Os panfletos foram largamente distribuídos pela cidade.

Often Confused With

largamente vs longamente

Refers to time duration, not physical or abstract width.

largamente vs grandemente

Refers to the intensity or magnitude, while largamente refers to scope.

largamente vs largas

This is the plural adjective, not the adverb.

Idioms & Expressions

"Rir largamente"

— To laugh openly and heartily, showing a lot of joy.

Ao ouvir a piada, ele começou a rir largamente.

informal/neutral
"Abrir os braços largamente"

— To welcome someone with great enthusiasm or to be very open.

A cidade recebeu os refugiados de braços largamente abertos.

figurative
"Pagar largamente"

— To pay a generous amount, often more than expected.

Ele pagou largamente pelo serviço bem feito.

neutral
"Caminhar largamente"

— To make fast progress in a project or life goal.

O projeto está a caminhar largamente para a conclusão.

figurative
"Dar largamente"

— To give without counting, to be extremely charitable.

Ela costuma dar largamente aos pobres da paróquia.

neutral
"Ver largamente"

— To have a broad vision of a problem, seeing the big picture.

É preciso ver largamente para resolver esta crise.

figurative
"Prometer largamente"

— To make many big promises (often with a skeptical tone).

O candidato prometeu largamente, mas pouco cumpriu.

political
"Espalhar largamente"

— To spread news or rumors to as many people as possible.

A notícia espalhou-se largamente pela vila.

neutral
"Gozar largamente"

— To enjoy something to the fullest extent.

Eles gozaram largamente as férias nas Maldivas.

neutral
"Semeia largamente, colhe largamente"

— A proverb meaning 'you reap what you sow'—if you put in a lot of effort, you get a lot of results.

Trabalha com afinco, pois quem semeia largamente, colhe largamente.

proverbial

Easily Confused

largamente vs longamente

Sounds similar and both end in -mente.

Longamente is for time (long duration). Largamente is for extent (wide scope).

Esperamos longamente (time). O livro é largamente lido (scope).

largamente vs amplamente

They are nearly identical in meaning.

Amplamente is often more formal and emphasizes the 'volume' of space.

A sala foi amplamente decorada.

largamente vs vastamente

Both mean 'widely'.

Vastamente is much stronger, implying an immense scale.

O oceano é vastamente profundo.

largamente vs altamente

Both are intensifiers.

Altamente means 'highly' (quality/level). Largamente means 'widely' (distribution).

Um produto altamente qualificado que é largamente vendido.

largamente vs geralmente

Both refer to general situations.

Geralmente means 'usually' (frequency). Largamente means 'widely' (scale).

Geralmente eu como maçã. Maçãs são largamente produzidas aqui.

Sentence Patterns

A2

O/A [substantivo] é largamente [particípio].

O café é largamente bebido.

B1

A notícia foi largamente divulgada por [agente].

A notícia foi largamente divulgada pela rádio.

B2

As opiniões sobre [tema] divergem largamente.

As opiniões sobre o clima divergem largamente.

C1

Largamente [particípio], o [substantivo] tornou-se [adjetivo].

Largamente ignorado, o problema tornou-se grave.

C2

A sua influência faz-se sentir largamente em [área].

A sua influência faz-se sentir largamente na economia.

A2

Eu sorri largamente para [pessoa].

Eu sorri largamente para a minha mãe.

B1

Eles investiram largamente em [projeto].

Eles investiram largamente em energia solar.

B2

[Algo] é largamente superior a [outro].

Este vinho é largamente superior ao outro.

Word Family

Nouns

largura (width)
largo (square/plaza)
largueza (generosity/amplitude)

Verbs

alargar (to widen)
largar (to let go/release)

Adjectives

largo (wide/broad)
alargado (widened/extended)

Related

larguíssimo
larguinho
alargamento
largada
larga-me

How to Use It

frequency

High in written media and academic texts; medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Eu esperei largamente. Eu esperei muito / longamente.

    Largamente is about breadth, not time duration.

  • O carro é largamente rápido. O carro é muito rápido.

    Largamente doesn't modify simple adjectives of quality like 'fast' unless there's a sense of distribution.

  • As largamente notícias. As notícias largamente divulgadas.

    Adverbs modify verbs or adjectives, they don't go directly before nouns like that.

  • Eles são largamente inteligentes. Eles são muito inteligentes.

    Intelligence isn't something that is 'spread out' in this way. Use 'muito'.

  • O rio é largamente. O rio é largo.

    Use the adjective 'largo' to describe the noun directly. Largamente is an adverb.

Tips

Pair with Participles

Always try to pair 'largamente' with words ending in -ado or -ido. It's the most natural way to use the word.

Formalize Your Speech

If you are in a job interview, use 'largamente' to describe your skills being 'largamente aplicáveis' (widely applicable).

Synonym Rotation

In a long essay, rotate between 'largamente,' 'amplamente,' and 'extensamente' to keep your writing interesting.

Stay Invariable

Remember: never add an 's' to the end. It's always 'largamente,' no matter what.

Nasal 'en'

Focus on the nasal 'en' in 'mente.' It shouldn't sound like 'men' in English, but more like a vibrating sound in your nose.

Scan the News

Look for 'largamente' in Portuguese news headlines. It's a great way to see it in its natural habitat.

The Wide Map

Associate the word with a wide map of the world to remember it means 'widely'.

Global vs Local

Use 'largamente' when talking about global trends to emphasize their reach.

Time vs Space

Never use it for time! Use 'longamente' if you mean 'for a long time'.

Physical Descriptions

Use it to describe a 'largamente' open door to create a more vivid, slightly poetic image.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Large' map. If you spread something 'Largamente,' you are covering a 'Large' part of that map from side to side.

Visual Association

Visualize a wide-angle lens on a camera. Everything you see through that lens is captured 'largamente'—with a broad view.

Word Web

largo largura alargar amplamente extensamente aceito conhecido utilizado

Challenge

Write three sentences about your favorite hobby using 'largamente.' For example: 'Meu hobby é largamente praticado no meu país.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'largus' meaning 'abundant, plentiful, bountiful,' which evolved into the Portuguese adjective 'largo.'

Original meaning: Abundantly or in a plentiful manner.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it in extremely casual slang as it may sound pretentious.

English speakers often use 'largely' to mean 'mostly,' but in Portuguese, 'largamente' is more about 'widely' or 'extensively.'

Used in the Portuguese Constitution to describe the distribution of powers. Commonly found in the works of Eça de Queirós to describe broad social landscapes. Appears in scientific reports by the Fiocruz institute in Brazil.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

  • largamente aceito
  • largamente citado
  • largamente estudado
  • largamente discutido

News and Media

  • largamente divulgado
  • largamente criticado
  • largamente noticiado
  • largamente apoiado

Business and Economics

  • largamente utilizado
  • largamente financiado
  • largamente consumido
  • largamente aplicado

Daily Social Interaction

  • rir largamente
  • sorrir largamente
  • abrir largamente
  • contribuir largamente

Comparisons

  • largamente superior
  • largamente diferente
  • largamente melhor
  • largamente pior

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que este novo aplicativo será largamente usado no futuro?"

"Quais são os livros largamente lidos nas escolas do seu país?"

"Este tipo de comida é largamente consumido na sua região?"

"Você conhece algum artista que seja largamente famoso fora do Brasil?"

"Na sua opinião, qual tecnologia é largamente essencial hoje em dia?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma mudança social que foi largamente sentida na sua cidade nos últimos anos.

Descreva um livro ou filme que é largamente criticado, mas que você pessoalmente gosta.

Reflita sobre como a internet influenciou largamente a forma como nos comunicamos hoje.

Escreva sobre um mentor ou professor que contribuiu largamente para a sua educação.

Descreva uma paisagem onde você pôde ver largamente o horizonte e como se sentiu.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. While 'largely' in English can mean 'mostly,' in Portuguese, 'largamente' specifically emphasizes the wide distribution or extent. For 'mostly,' use 'principalmente' or 'na maioria das vezes.'

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, especially in formal writing and news broadcasts. The pronunciation differs, but the meaning and usage remain the same.

It sounds very poetic and unusual. Usually, you would say 'Eu te amo muito' or 'Eu te amo imensamente.' Using 'largamente' here implies a 'broad' love, which isn't a standard romantic expression.

Muito is a general intensifier (very/much). Largamente focuses on the scope, area, or distribution. You can be 'muito inteligente,' but you are 'largamente conhecido' (known by many people across a wide area).

Yes, but it's less common. 'A porta abriu-se largamente' is correct but sounds literary. In daily life, we just say 'A porta abriu-se muito' or 'totalmente'.

Usually, yes, or right before a past participle. In formal writing, it can start a sentence for emphasis: 'Largamente aceito, o plano foi executado.'

You can use 'muito' or 'bastante,' but you lose the specific nuance of 'widely.' There isn't a shorter adverb with the exact same meaning.

No, that would be a contradiction. You wouldn't say 'widely small.' Use it with words that imply a positive or broad scale.

It is very common in reading and listening (news/books), but moderately common in casual speaking. It's an essential word for intermediate and advanced learners.

The root is the adjective 'largo,' which means 'wide' or 'broad.' The suffix '-mente' turns it into an adverb.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Escreva uma frase sobre um ator famoso usando 'largamente conhecido'.

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writing

Como a internet é usada no seu país? Use 'largamente' na resposta.

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writing

Compare dois produtos usando a expressão 'largamente superior'.

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writing

Escreva um pequeno parágrafo sobre uma mudança social largamente sentida.

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writing

Use 'largamente' para descrever um sorriso.

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writing

Descreva um prato de comida que é largamente consumido na sua cidade.

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writing

O que você acha de uma lei que é largamente ignorada? Escreva 2 frases.

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writing

Explique a importância de um cientista largamente citado.

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writing

Traduza para o português: 'The news was widely broadcast.'

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writing

Escreva sobre um esporte largamente praticado no seu país.

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writing

Como um projeto pode beneficiar largamente uma comunidade?

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writing

Use 'largamente' no início de uma frase formal.

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writing

Complete: 'A porta da casa estava...'

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writing

Fale sobre uma marca de carro largamente vendida.

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writing

Quais são as opiniões largamente aceitas sobre o aquecimento global?

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writing

Descreva a influência de um músico largamente sentida na atualidade.

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writing

Crie uma frase com 'largamente utilizado'.

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writing

Use 'largamente' para descrever a distribuição de panfletos.

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writing

O que acontece se um aviso é largamente ignorado?

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writing

Reflita sobre um tema largamente debatido na política atual.

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speaking

Repita a frase: 'O café é largamente produzido no Brasil.'

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speaking

Diga: 'Este aplicativo é largamente utilizado por todos.'

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speaking

Explique em voz alta o que significa algo ser 'largamente aceito'.

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speaking

Pronuncie 'largamente' focando na sílaba nasal 'MEN'.

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speaking

Como você diria 'widely known' em português?

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speaking

Diga: 'As opiniões variam largamente sobre o assunto.'

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speaking

Use 'largamente' para descrever o sucesso de um filme.

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speaking

Diga uma frase formal começando com 'Largamente'.

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speaking

Como você diz 'smile broadly'?

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speaking

Diga: 'A notícia foi largamente divulgada na televisão.'

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speaking

Explique a diferença entre 'largamente' e 'muito' para um amigo.

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speaking

Diga: 'A influência de Camões é largamente sentida na literatura.'

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speaking

Diga: 'A porta está largamente aberta.'

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speaking

Diga: 'Eles contribuíram largamente para a escola.'

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speaking

Diga: 'Os resultados superaram largamente as expectativas.'

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speaking

Diga: 'A teoria foi largamente superada por novas evidências.'

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speaking

Diga 'largamente' três vezes seguidas rapidamente.

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speaking

Diga: 'O solo foi largamente afetado pela chuva.'

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speaking

Diga: 'O sistema é largamente baseado em regras simples.'

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speaking

Diga: 'As ramificações legais são largamente desconhecidas.'

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listening

Ouça a frase: 'O café é largamente produzido.' O que é produzido?

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listening

Ouça: 'A notícia foi largamente divulgada.' Onde a notícia foi parar?

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listening

Ouça: 'O autor é largamente citado.' O autor é ignorado?

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listening

Ouça: 'A proposta foi largamente debatida.' Houve pouco ou muito debate?

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listening

Identifique o advérbio: 'Ela sorriu largamente.'

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listening

Ouça: 'O uso de plástico é largamente criticado.' Qual o sentimento sobre o plástico?

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listening

Ouça: 'O impacto foi largamente positivo.' Qual foi o resultado?

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listening

Ouça: 'A influência é largamente sentida.' A influência é pequena?

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listening

Ouça: 'A porta está largamente aberta.' Como está a porta?

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listening

Ouça: 'Eles viajam largamente.' Eles viajam pouco?

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listening

Ouça: 'O recorde foi largamente superado.' O recorde foi batido por pouco?

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listening

Ouça: 'O solo foi largamente afetado.' O que aconteceu com o solo?

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listening

Ouça: 'Este livro é largamente lido.' Muitas pessoas leem o livro?

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listening

Ouça: 'A vacina foi largamente distribuída.' Onde está a vacina?

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listening

Ouça: 'A teoria foi largamente superada.' A teoria é nova?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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