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A1 noun 9 min read

Previsão

Examples Previsão in 30 Seconds
Explanation Previsão in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the most common use of 'previsão': the weather. You will encounter this word in daily news or when checking your phone. It is important to remember that it is a feminine word, so you say 'a previsão'. You don't need to worry about complex economic forecasts yet. Just learn the phrase 'previsão do tempo' (weather forecast) and how to ask 'Qual é a previsão para amanhã?' (What is the forecast for tomorrow?). This level is about basic survival and daily routines, and knowing if it will rain is a key part of that. You might also see it at bus stops as 'previsão de chegada'.
At the A2 level, you start using 'previsão' for simple planning and travel. You can now use it to talk about when you expect to arrive somewhere or when a project might be finished. You should begin to notice how it combines with prepositions like 'de' and 'para'. For example, 'previsão de chegada' (estimated arrival time) or 'previsão para o feriado' (forecast for the holiday). You are moving beyond just the weather and starting to use the word for logistical purposes in your personal life. You should also be able to understand simple horoscopes using 'previsões'.
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At the B1 level, you can use 'previsão' in more professional and social contexts. You might discuss 'previsão de vendas' (sales forecast) or 'previsão orçamentária' (budget forecast) at work. You can also use it to express your own opinions about the future, such as 'Minha previsão é que o time vai ganhar'. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in its plural form 'previsões' and understand that it implies a degree of uncertainty. You are also starting to distinguish it from 'estimativa' (estimate) and 'prognóstico' (prognosis).
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At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of 'previsão' in diverse fields like law and science. You recognize 'previsão legal' as a legal provision and can follow complex news reports about economic 'previsões'. You can use the word abstractly to mean 'foresight'—for example, 'Ele teve a previsão de investir cedo'. You are also aware of the verb 'prever' and its irregular conjugation, and how 'previsão' is its nominal form. Your vocabulary is rich enough to discuss the accuracy of forecasts using verbs like 'confirmar', 'refutar', or 'ajustar'.
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At the C1 level, you use 'previsão' with precision and style. You understand its role in academic discourse and can debate the 'imprevisibilidade' (unpredictability) of certain systems. You can use synonyms like 'vaticínio' or 'prognóstico' to vary your speech and writing. You understand the cultural weight of 'previsões' in literature or historical analysis. You can analyze how a 'previsão' differs from a 'conjectura' or a 'suposição' in a formal debate. You are also sensitive to the register, knowing when 'previsão' sounds too casual and when a more technical term is required.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'previsão' and its related forms. You can use it in highly specialized legal, philosophical, or scientific contexts without hesitation. You understand the etymological roots and how they influence the word's current usage. You can appreciate wordplay or irony involving 'previsões' in high-level literature or political satire. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can effortlessly navigate the subtle distinctions between 'previsão', 'presságio', and 'prospecção' in any given context.
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Examples

Previsão in 30 Seconds

  • Previsão is the standard Portuguese word for 'forecast' or 'prediction', used extensively for weather and planning.
  • It is a feminine noun, so always use 'a' or 'uma' and ensure adjectives agree with its gender.
  • Commonly paired with 'do tempo' (weather) or 'de chegada' (arrival), it is essential for daily navigation.
  • Derived from 'prever' (to foresee), it suggests looking ahead based on logic, data, or intuition.
The Portuguese word previsão is a feminine noun that serves as a cornerstone for discussing the future, planning, and scientific estimation. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'forecast' or 'prediction'. In the context of daily life in Brazil and Portugal, the most frequent usage is undeniably linked to the weather—the previsão do tempo. However, its utility extends far beyond meteorology, permeating the realms of economics, logistics, personal planning, and even mysticism. When a professional speaks of a previsão de vendas, they are referring to a sales forecast based on data. Conversely, in a more spiritual or casual context, a previsão might refer to a psychic's prophecy or a simple guess about a football match outcome. The word implies a look forward, often supported by some form of logic, observation, or intuition. It is derived from the verb prever (to foresee), which combines the prefix 'pre-' (before) with 'ver' (to see). Thus, to have a previsão is literally to have a 'pre-vision' or a sight of things before they manifest.
Daily Utility
Used every morning when checking if one needs an umbrella or a coat.

A previsão indica que vai chover muito durante a tarde de hoje no Rio de Janeiro.

Economic Context
Essential for discussing the 'previsão orçamentária' or budget forecast for the next fiscal year.

Nossa previsão de lucros para este trimestre é bastante otimista e positiva.

Logistical Context
Commonly used in travel: 'previsão de chegada' refers to the estimated time of arrival (ETA).

Qual é a sua previsão de chegada ao aeroporto internacional de Lisboa amanhã?

A previsão astrológica para o seu signo sugere grandes mudanças na vida amorosa.

Infelizmente, a previsão do economista sobre a inflação estava correta e os preços subiram.

Understanding 'previsão' requires recognizing its dual nature: it can be a rigorous scientific estimate or a vague, intuitive feeling about the future. In formal documents, it implies a projection based on methodology. In conversation, it is the standard way to ask 'What's the forecast?' regarding almost any upcoming event.
Using previsão effectively in Portuguese involves mastering its common collocations and grammatical structures. Since it is a feminine noun, it must always be preceded by feminine articles (a, uma, as, umas) or feminine adjectives (boa, má, errada, correta). The most common verb associated with this noun is fazer (to make). For instance, 'Os cientistas fazem uma previsão' (The scientists make a forecast). Another vital verb is acertar (to get right) or errar (to get wrong). If the weather forecast was right, you would say 'A meteorologia acertou a previsão'. If it was wrong, 'A meteorologia errou a previsão'.
Prepositional Patterns
The pattern 'previsão de + [noun]' is the standard way to define the subject of the forecast. Example: 'Previsão de neve' (Forecast of snow).

De acordo com a previsão do governo, a economia deve crescer três por cento este ano.

Indicating Time
You can specify the timeframe using 'para'. Example: 'Previsão para o fim de semana' (Forecast for the weekend).

Não há previsão de quando o sistema voltará a funcionar normalmente.

A previsão climática para as próximas décadas é uma preocupação global constante.

Abstract Usage
It can also mean foresight or the capacity to anticipate. 'Ele teve a previsão de comprar as passagens cedo'.

Minha previsão inicial era de que o projeto levaria apenas duas semanas.

Existe previsão contratual para o cancelamento deste serviço sem multa?

A previsão de gastos foi ultrapassada devido a custos imprevistos com a reforma.

To sound like a native, use 'previsão' whenever you are talking about an expected outcome or a scheduled event that might change. It bridges the gap between a hard deadline and a loose guess.
In the Lusophone world, previsão is a high-frequency word encountered in various environments. The most ubiquitous setting is the television news cycle. Every major broadcast in Brazil (like Jornal Nacional) or Portugal (like Jornal da Noite) features a segment dedicated to the previsão do tempo. Here, you will hear meteorologists discuss 'previsão para amanhã' or 'previsão estendida'. In the corporate world, you will hear it during quarterly reviews and planning sessions. Managers will ask for the 'previsão de faturamento' (revenue forecast) or 'previsão de demanda' (demand forecast).
Public Transport
At bus stops or train stations with digital displays, you will see 'Previsão de chegada' followed by a countdown in minutes.

O painel eletrônico mostra uma previsão de cinco minutos para o próximo metrô.

Astrology and Media
Magazines and websites often have sections titled 'Previsões para o seu signo', which are horoscope predictions.

Eu nunca confio totalmente na previsão do tempo; sempre levo um guarda-chuva por precaução.

Sports Journalism
Commentators often make a 'previsão do resultado' (prediction of the result) before a big football match.

Qual é a sua previsão para o clássico entre Flamengo e Fluminense no domingo?

A previsão teórica foi confirmada pelos dados coletados durante o experimento laboratorial.

O vidente fez uma previsão assustadora sobre o futuro da política mundial no próximo ano.

Whether you are watching a financial report on Bloomberg Brasil or waiting for a bus in Porto, 'previsão' is the word that connects the present moment to the anticipated future. Its presence in daily life highlights the human desire to control and understand what lies ahead.
For English speakers learning Portuguese, several pitfalls exist when using previsão. The most common error is confusing it with the word provisão. While they sound similar, 'provisão' means 'provision' or 'supply' (often used in financial accounting or for food supplies). Saying 'previsão de comida' when you mean 'supplies of food' is a classic mistake; it would actually mean 'a forecast of food'. Another frequent error is the gender. Many learners default to the masculine 'o previsão' because many abstract nouns in other languages are masculine, but in Portuguese, words ending in '-são' are almost universally feminine.
Gender Error
Incorrect: 'O previsão está errado'. Correct: 'A previsão está errada'.

Cuidado para não confundir previsão (forecast) com provisão (provision) em contextos contábeis.

Misusing the Verb
Learners often say 'ter uma previsão' when they should use 'fazer uma previsão' for the act of forecasting.

Muitos alunos erram ao dizer 'o previsão', esquecendo que palavras em -são são femininas.

Preposition Confusion
Using 'previsão sobre' is possible, but 'previsão de' is much more natural for specific events.

A previsão de geada para o sul do país assustou os agricultores de café.

As previsões dos especialistas divergem bastante sobre o futuro das criptomoedas.

Ele não teve a previsão necessária para evitar o desastre financeiro da empresa.

Finally, avoid overusing 'estimativa' (estimate) when 'previsão' is more appropriate. 'Estimativa' is usually for quantities already existing but not yet counted, while 'previsão' is for things that haven't happened yet.
Portuguese offers several synonyms for previsão, each with its own nuance and register. Understanding these differences will elevate your fluency from basic to advanced. The most direct synonym is predição, which is often used in scientific or highly formal contexts, or when referring to a prophecy. Another close term is prognóstico, which is very common in medicine (a doctor's prognosis) and sports journalism (a prediction of a match result).
Previsão vs. Predição
Previsão is the standard for weather and business. Predição sounds more like 'predicting the future' in a grand or mystical sense.

O prognóstico médico indica que o paciente deve se recuperar em duas semanas.

Antecipação
Used when someone acts before an event occurs based on a forecast. 'A antecipação dos fatos'.

O vaticínio da pitonisa se cumpriu de forma trágica e inesperada para o rei.

Estimativa
Used for numerical values. 'Uma estimativa de custos' is a cost estimate, whereas 'previsão' is the forecast of those costs over time.

Sua estimativa de tempo estava errada; o trabalho demorou muito mais do que o esperado.

Aquelas nuvens negras eram um mau presságio para o início da nossa longa viagem.

A perspectiva de crescimento para o próximo ano é muito positiva para a indústria.

By choosing between 'previsão', 'prognóstico', and 'estimativa', you show a deep understanding of the context—whether it is technical, medical, or general. 'Previsão' remains the most versatile and safe choice for most situations.
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Examples by Level

1

A previsão do tempo diz que vai fazer sol.

The weather forecast says it will be sunny.

Uses the feminine article 'A' with 'previsão'.

2

Qual é a previsão para hoje?

What is the forecast for today?

The preposition 'para' indicates the time frame.

3

A previsão de chegada do ônibus é às dez horas.

The bus's estimated arrival time is at ten o'clock.

'Previsão de chegada' is a common phrase for ETA.

4

Não vi a previsão do tempo hoje.

I didn't see the weather forecast today.

The verb 'ver' (to see) is commonly used with 'previsão'.

5

A previsão indica chuva para a tarde.

The forecast indicates rain for the afternoon.

The verb 'indicar' (to indicate) is used here.

6

Onde posso ver a previsão?

Where can I see the forecast?

Direct question using 'onde' (where).

7

A previsão estava certa: choveu muito.

The forecast was right: it rained a lot.

The adjective 'certa' (right/correct) agrees with the feminine noun.

8

Temos uma previsão de sol para o sábado.

We have a forecast of sun for Saturday.

Uses the indefinite article 'uma'.

1

A previsão de entrega do pacote é para amanhã.

The package delivery forecast is for tomorrow.

'Previsão de entrega' is common in e-commerce.

2

Eles fizeram uma previsão de custos para a viagem.

They made a cost forecast for the trip.

Uses 'fazer uma previsão' (to make a forecast).

3

A previsão para o feriado é de muito calor.

The forecast for the holiday is for a lot of heat.

The structure 'previsão para... é de...' is standard.

4

Minha previsão era chegar mais cedo.

My prediction/plan was to arrive earlier.

Possessive adjective 'Minha' agrees with 'previsão'.

5

Você viu as previsões para o seu signo?

Did you see the predictions for your zodiac sign?

Plural form 'previsões'.

6

A previsão mudou e agora vai nevar.

The forecast changed and now it's going to snow.

The verb 'mudar' (to change) is used here.

7

Qual é a sua previsão de gastos para este mês?

What is your spending forecast for this month?

'Previsão de gastos' means spending forecast.

8

De acordo com a previsão, o voo vai atrasar.

According to the forecast, the flight will be delayed.

'De acordo com' (according to) is a useful phrase.

1

A previsão orçamentária foi aprovada pela diretoria.

The budget forecast was approved by the board.

'Previsão orçamentária' is a formal business term.

2

Não podemos confiar em uma previsão tão incerta.

We cannot trust such an uncertain forecast.

'Incerteza' is the opposite of certainty.

3

A previsão de vendas superou as expectativas iniciais.

The sales forecast exceeded the initial expectations.

'Superar as expectativas' is a common collocation.

4

Precisamos de uma nova previsão para o próximo trimestre.

We need a new forecast for the next quarter.

'Trimestre' means a three-month period.

5

A previsão do economista estava errada por pouco.

The economist's forecast was slightly wrong.

'Por pouco' means 'by a little' or 'nearly'.

6

Existe alguma previsão de quando a obra vai terminar?

Is there any forecast of when the construction will finish?

Uses 'alguma' to ask about existence.

7

As previsões climáticas são fundamentais para a agricultura.

Climate forecasts are fundamental for agriculture.

Adjective 'climáticas' agrees with 'previsões'.

8

Ele fez uma previsão ousada sobre o futuro da internet.

He made a bold prediction about the future of the internet.

'Ousada' means bold or daring.

1

A previsão legal garante o direito ao arrependimento na compra.

The legal provision guarantees the right to change one's mind on a purchase.

'Previsão legal' refers to something established by law.

2

A falta de previsão causou o fracasso do empreendimento.

The lack of foresight caused the failure of the venture.

Here, 'previsão' means foresight or planning.

3

As previsões do mercado financeiro são muito voláteis.

Financial market forecasts are very volatile.

'Voláteis' describes something that changes quickly.

4

Ela teve a previsão de estocar alimentos antes da crise.

She had the foresight to stock food before the crisis.

'Ter a previsão de' means to have the foresight to.

5

A previsão de demanda indica a necessidade de mais funcionários.

The demand forecast indicates the need for more employees.

'Previsão de demanda' is used in logistics.

6

O relatório apresenta uma previsão detalhada dos riscos.

The report presents a detailed forecast of the risks.

'Previsão de riscos' means risk assessment/forecast.

7

Não há previsão de melhoria nas condições das estradas.

There is no forecast for improvement in road conditions.

'Não há previsão de' is a formal way to say 'nothing is expected'.

8

Sua previsão baseava-se em dados estatísticos sólidos.

His forecast was based on solid statistical data.

'Basear-se em' means to be based on.

1

A imprevisibilidade do cenário político invalida qualquer previsão.

The unpredictability of the political scenario invalidates any forecast.

'Imprevisibilidade' is the noun form of unpredictable.

2

O vaticínio do profeta foi interpretado como uma previsão do fim.

The prophet's vaticination was interpreted as a prediction of the end.

'Vaticínio' is a high-level synonym for 'previsão'.

3

A previsão de longo prazo exige modelos matemáticos complexos.

Long-term forecasting requires complex mathematical models.

'Longo prazo' means long-term.

4

A obra carece de uma previsão realista das consequências sociais.

The work lacks a realistic forecast of the social consequences.

'Carecer de' means to lack something.

5

A previsão de receitas deve ser pautada pela prudência.

The revenue forecast must be guided by prudence.

'Pautada por' means guided or based on.

6

Contrariando a previsão geral, a inflação caiu drasticamente.

Contrary to general prediction, inflation fell drastically.

'Contrariando' means going against.

7

A previsão do tempo em regiões montanhosas é notoriamente difícil.

Weather forecasting in mountainous regions is notoriously difficult.

'Notoriamente' is an adverb meaning notoriously.

8

Houve uma falha na previsão de fluxo de caixa da empresa.

There was a failure in the company's cash flow forecast.

'Fluxo de caixa' is the Portuguese term for cash flow.

1

A acuidade da sua previsão granjeou-lhe respeito internacional.

The accuracy of his forecast earned him international respect.

'Acuidade' refers to sharpness or accuracy.

2

A previsão de obsolescência programada é uma estratégia de mercado.

The forecast of planned obsolescence is a market strategy.

'Obsolescência programada' is a technical term.

3

A teoria quântica desafia a nossa noção clássica de previsão.

Quantum theory challenges our classical notion of prediction.

Discusses philosophical/scientific concepts.

4

A previsão de comportamentos humanos é um campo minado ético.

Predicting human behavior is an ethical minefield.

'Campo minado' is a metaphor for a dangerous situation.

5

Não obstante a previsão sombria, a paz acabou por prevalecer.

Despite the grim prediction, peace ended up prevailing.

'Não obstante' is a formal way to say 'despite'.

6

A previsão de impacto ambiental é obrigatória para este projeto.

An environmental impact forecast/assessment is mandatory for this project.

'Impacto ambiental' is environmental impact.

7

Sua previsão revelou-se um mero exercício de futurologia barata.

His prediction proved to be a mere exercise in cheap futurology.

'Revelou-se' means it turned out to be.

8

A previsão de cenários alternativos é vital para a resiliência.

Forecasting alternative scenarios is vital for resilience.

'Cenários alternativos' means alternative scenarios.

Common Collocations

Previsão do tempo
Previsão de chegada
Previsão de vendas
Previsão orçamentária
Previsão legal
Previsão de gastos
Acertar a previsão
Errar a previsão
Previsão astrológica
Fazer uma previsão

Common Phrases

Sem previsão
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