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A2 verb #9,000 most common 10 min read

venerar

Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips venerar in 30 Seconds

Explanation venerar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually focus on simple verbs like 'gostar' (to like) or 'amar' (to love). 'Venerar' is a bit advanced for a beginner, but you can think of it as 'super respect'. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'cantar'. You might see it in simple sentences about famous people or religious figures. Just remember: it's not a word for everyday things like food or hobbies. It is for very important people or traditions. If you see it, just know it means 'to respect very, very much'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific vocabulary. 'Venerar' is useful for talking about culture and history. In many Portuguese-speaking countries, history and religion are very important. You might use 'venerar' to describe how people feel about a national hero or a saint. Grammatically, you should practice it in the present tense (eu venero, você venera) and the simple past (eu venerei, você venerou). It's a 'transitive direct' verb, which means you don't need a preposition like 'de' after it. You just say 'venerar alguém' (venerate someone).

At the B1 level, you can use 'venerar' to add depth to your descriptions of traditions and social values. You should be able to distinguish it from 'adorar' and 'respeitar'. While 'adorar' is common for things you like a lot, 'venerar' is more formal and serious. You will encounter this word in news articles, biographies, and during your travels to historical sites in Portugal or Brazil. You should also start using it in the Imperfect tense to describe long-standing traditions: 'Antigamente, o povo venerava os seus reis'.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'venerar' in formal writing and debates. You'll recognize its use in 'O venerado' (The venerated one) as an adjective/noun. You should also understand the nuances of the word in religious contexts vs. secular ones. For example, knowing that in a Catholic context, 'venerar' is for saints while 'adorar' is for God. You can use this verb in the subjunctive to express opinions or doubts about societal values: 'Não acho que devamos venerar celebridades sem talento'.

At the C1 level, 'venerar' becomes a tool for stylistic precision. You can use it to create a tone of solemnity or to analyze cultural phenomena in depth. You should be aware of its historical weight and how it appears in classical literature (Camões, Machado de Assis). You might use it in complex sentence structures, such as using the 'infinitivo pessoal' or the 'futuro do subjuntivo': 'Se eles venerarem a paz tanto quanto a guerra, o mundo mudará'. You understand that the word carries a connotation of 'sacredness' even when used in a secular way.

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of the word's etymological roots and its role in the Lusophone 'imaginaire'. You can use 'venerar' ironically, poetically, or in highly specialized academic discourse. You understand the subtle differences between 'venerar', 'reverenciar', 'idolatrar', and 'sacralizar'. You can navigate the most formal environments, such as diplomatic speeches or high-level theological discussions, using the word with perfect register and intent. You are also aware of how the word's frequency and usage might vary between different Portuguese-speaking regions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

venerar in 30 Seconds

Venerar is a formal Portuguese verb meaning to regard with deep respect, reverence, or awe.
It is commonly used in religious contexts for saints and secular contexts for historical heroes.
Grammatically, it is a regular -ar verb and is used as a transitive direct verb (no preposition).
It differs from 'adorar' (casual like or divine worship) and 'respeitar' (basic regard).

The Portuguese verb venerar is a powerful and evocative term that transcends simple admiration. At its core, it represents the act of regarding someone or something with profound respect, often touching upon the sacred or the legendary. While in English 'venerate' might feel slightly archaic or strictly religious, in Portuguese, it maintains a strong presence in formal, literary, and deeply emotional contexts. To venerate is to place an object, a person, or an ideal upon a pedestal of moral or spiritual excellence. It is the bridge between mere liking and total devotion. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the weight of history and the depth of human emotion that Portuguese speakers invest in their cultural and religious icons.

Religious Context: In the Lusophone world, particularly in Brazil and Portugal where Catholicism has deep roots, venerar is the standard term for the respect shown to saints, relics, and sacred images. It is distinct from 'adorar' (to worship), which is reserved for God alone in theological terms.
Historical & Secular Use: Beyond the church, people venerate national heroes, great poets like Luís de Camões, or legendary musicians like Amália Rodrigues. It implies that the person's contribution to society is so great that they deserve a form of respect that is almost ritualistic.

Muitos fiéis viajam de longe para venerar a imagem da santa padroeira no santuário principal.

When you use venerar, you are signaling a high level of formality. You wouldn't typically use it for a friend or a common celebrity unless you were being hyperbolic. It suggests a distance created by greatness. For instance, a student might respect a teacher (respeitar), but a nation might venerate a founding father (venerar). This distinction is crucial for learners who want to master the nuances of Portuguese social hierarchy and emotional expression. The word carries a sense of permanence; you venerate things that have stood the test of time.

O povo costuma venerar a memória dos que lutaram pela liberdade e pela democracia.

Emotional Depth: It is an active verb. To venerate is not a passive feeling; it involves actions like visiting a grave, keeping a portrait, or dedicating a ceremony. It is the externalization of internal reverence.

Ele passou a vida inteira a venerar a obra do seu avô, mantendo a biblioteca intacta.

In summary, venerar is used when the level of respect reaches a point of devotion or ritual. It is common in literature, news reports about national mourning or celebrations, and religious discourse. By using this word, you elevate the subject of your sentence to a status of high honor and lasting significance in the Portuguese-speaking consciousness.

Grammatically, venerar is a regular first-conjugation verb (-ar). This makes it relatively easy for learners to conjugate across different tenses. However, the complexity lies in its syntax and the contexts it demands. It is a transitive direct verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object without a preposition (though in some poetic or older contexts, you might see variations). You venerate something or someone directly.

Nós veneramos a coragem dos nossos antepassados.

In the present tense, it follows the standard pattern: eu venero, tu veneras, ele venera, nós veneramos, vós venerais, eles veneram. Because of its formal nature, it is frequently found in the passive voice or with the impersonal 'se' to describe societal traditions. For example, 'Venera-se a memória do poeta' (The memory of the poet is venerated).

Direct Object Usage: Unlike verbs like 'gostar' which require 'de', 'venerar' connects directly. Example: 'Eu venero o meu pai' (I venerate my father), not 'venero ao meu pai' (unless in specific literary stylistic choices).

Eles veneravam o líder como se ele fosse um deus na terra.

In the past tenses, venerar often sets the stage for historical narratives. Using the imperfect 'venerava' suggests a continuous state of reverence that existed in the past, while the preterite 'venerou' might point to a specific act of showing respect. In futuristic or conditional contexts, it often appears in speeches about how future generations will look back at us.

As gerações futuras venerarão os cientistas que salvaram o planeta.

Subjunctive Usage: In formal requests or hopes: 'É importante que a sociedade venere os seus sábios' (It is important that society venerates its wise ones).

Se todos venerassem a natureza, o mundo seria um lugar muito melhor.

Finally, consider the gerund 'venerando' and the past participle 'venerado'. The latter is often used as an adjective: 'O venerado mestre' (The venerated master). This adjectival use is extremely common in academic and religious titles, adding a layer of prestige to the person being described.

You will not likely hear venerar while ordering a coffee or chatting about the weather. It is a word of high-register environments. One of the most common places to encounter it is in religious ceremonies. Whether in a large cathedral in Lisbon or a small community church in the interior of Brazil, the language of faith frequently employs venerar to describe the relationship between the faithful and the divine or the saintly.

Durante a procissão, os fiéis param para venerar a cruz sagrada.

Another key environment is academia and high culture. During university graduation ceremonies, inaugural lectures, or the awarding of honorary degrees (doutor honoris causa), speakers often use venerar to talk about the intellectual giants upon whose shoulders they stand. It is a word of the 'Aula Magna' (Great Hall).

News & Documentaries: When a major historical figure passes away—such as a former president or a world-renowned artist—news anchors will use the word to describe the public's reaction. 'Milhares de pessoas reuniram-se para venerar o corpo do falecido líder'.

O documentário explora como certas tribos veneram os espíritos da floresta.

In literature and poetry, venerar is a staple. Romantic and Parnassian poets used it to describe their devotion to beauty, to the homeland, or to a distant, idealized lover. If you pick up a book by Machado de Assis or Eça de Queirós, you will certainly find instances of this verb used to paint a picture of deep social or personal respect.

Naquela época, era comum venerar as tradições familiares acima de tudo.

Lastly, in the legal and political sphere, the word appears when discussing the 'venerável' (venerable) institutions of the state. It frames the institution as something that should be beyond reproach and treated with the utmost dignity. Understanding where to hear this word helps a learner identify the tone of a situation immediately: if 'venerar' is used, the situation is serious, respectful, and significant.

The most frequent mistake learners make with venerar is using it too casually. Because it translates to 'venerate' or 'revere', it carries a heavy weight. Using it to say you 'venerate' a brand of soda or a new pop song (unless you are being intentionally dramatic) sounds unnatural. For everyday preferences, stick to adorar (which, despite its religious roots, is used very casually in Portuguese) or amar.

Venerar vs. Adorar: In English, 'I adore this pizza' is common. In Portuguese, 'Eu adoro esta pizza' is also common. But 'Eu venero esta pizza' would imply you have a shrine for the pizza. Use venerar only for things that truly deserve profound, almost sacred respect.

Mistake: Eu venero ir ao cinema aos domingos. (Too formal)
Correct: Eu adoro ir ao cinema aos domingos.

Another mistake is the confusion between venerar and respeitar. While all veneration involves respect, not all respect is veneration. You respect the law, you respect your boss, you respect your neighbor's privacy. You venerate a saint, a legend, or a profound philosophy. Using venerar for mundane respect can make you sound like you are from the 19th century.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition. As mentioned, venerar is usually transitive direct. Do not add 'de' or 'por' after it. 'Eu venero a minha cultura' is correct. 'Eu venero da minha cultura' is incorrect. This is a common carry-over from verbs like 'gostar de' or 'precisar de'.

Mistake: Eles veneram pela memória dele.
Correct: Eles veneram a memória dele.

The 'Venerável' Trap: In some contexts, 'venerável' is a specific title (like in Freemasonry or the Catholic Church). Don't use it as a general synonym for 'nice old person' unless you want to sound very formal or slightly ironic.

Lastly, be careful with the word in Brazil versus Portugal. While the meaning is the same, Brazilians might find the word even more formal than Portuguese people do, as Brazilian Portuguese tends to be slightly more informal in daily life. In Portugal, the weight of tradition might make the word slightly more common in slightly less formal (but still serious) settings.

To truly master venerar, you must know its neighbors in the semantic field of respect and devotion. Depending on the level of intensity and the context, you might choose a different word to be more precise. Here are the most common alternatives and how they differ.

Respeitar: The baseline. It means to have regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others. It is essential for daily life. Eu respeito o sinal vermelho (I respect the red light). You don't 'venerate' a traffic light.
Reverenciar: Very close to venerar, but often implies a physical gesture of respect, like a bow or a moment of silence. It is highly formal. Devemos reverenciar os heróis da pátria.
Adorar: In a religious sense, it's higher than veneration (worship). In a colloquial sense, it's much lower (to love/like a lot). Eu adoro chocolate vs. Os fiéis adoram a Deus.

Enquanto muitos respeitam o rei, poucos realmente o veneram.

If you want to describe someone who is obsessed with someone else in a potentially negative or excessive way, you might use idolatrar (to idolize). This carries a nuance of 'blind' devotion that venerar usually lacks. Venerar is seen as a noble, justified respect; idolatrar can be seen as a bit too much.

For academic or professional settings, you might use estimar or prezar. These are 'softer' than venerar. Prezo muito a sua opinião (I value your opinion highly). This is polite and professional without being 'religious' in tone.

Nós prezamos a honestidade, mas veneramos o sacrifício supremo.

Choosing the right word depends on the 'height' of the object. Use respeitar for equals and rules, prezar for qualities and professional relations, and reserve venerar for the extraordinary, the sacred, and the historical. Mastering these distinctions will make your Portuguese sound sophisticated and culturally aware.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is etymologically linked to Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. To venerate originally meant to treat something with the love and awe one would show a goddess.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /vɛ.nɛˈɾaɾ/

US /ve.neˈɾaɹ/

The stress is on the last syllable: ve-ne-RAR.

Rhymes With

amar cantar falar lugar mar olhar pensar rezar

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'v' as 'b' (common for Spanish speakers).
Making the 'e' sound like 'ee' (vinerar).
Stress on the wrong syllable (VE-nerar).
Using a hard English 'r' at the start.
Mispronouncing the nasal quality if followed by 'm' or 'n' in other forms.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'venerate'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of -ar verb endings and proper context.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is regular but requires correct stress on the final syllable.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

respeitar gostar muito pessoa santo

Learn Next

reverenciar idolatrar cultuar sagrado profano

Advanced

hagiografia iconoclastia liturgia devoção

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu venero, tu veneras, ele venera...

Transitive Direct Verbs

Venerar o mestre (No preposition 'de' or 'a').

Passive Voice with 'Ser'

O herói foi venerado pelo povo.

Personal Infinitive

Para eles venerarem o santo, precisam de ir à igreja.

Clitic Pronoun Placement

Eu venero-o (I venerate him).

Examples by Level

Eu venero a minha avó.

I venerate my grandmother.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Eles veneram o sol.

They venerate the sun.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Nós veneramos a paz.

We venerate peace.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Você venera o seu herói?

Do you venerate your hero?

Question form.

Ela venera a música clássica.

She venerates classical music.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

O povo venera o rei.

The people venerate the king.

Subject 'o povo' is singular.

Eu não venero o dinheiro.

I do not venerate money.

Negative form.

Eles veneram os deuses.

They venerate the gods.

Direct object 'os deuses'.

Muitas pessoas veneram a Virgem Maria.

Many people venerate the Virgin Mary.

Common religious usage.

Nós veneramos a memória do nosso avô.

We venerate our grandfather's memory.

Venerating an abstract concept (memory).

Os alunos veneram o velho professor.

The students venerate the old teacher.

Regular -ar verb conjugation.

Ela sempre venerou a arte moderna.

She has always venerated modern art.

Preterite tense showing past action.

Vocês veneram as tradições da vossa terra?

Do you venerate the traditions of your land?

Plural 'vocês'.

Ele venera o trabalho do seu pai.

He venerates his father's work.

Shows high respect for effort.

Ninguém venera este monumento.

Nobody venerates this monument.

Negative indefinite pronoun 'ninguém'.

Nós vamos venerar os santos na igreja.

We are going to venerate the saints in the church.

Periphrastic future (ir + infinitive).

É comum venerar os antepassados nesta cultura.

It is common to venerate ancestors in this culture.

Impersonal expression 'É comum'.

O autor é venerado em todo o mundo.

The author is venerated all over the world.

Passive voice with 'ser' + past participle.

Eles veneravam o líder com cânticos e flores.

They used to venerate the leader with songs and flowers.

Imperfect tense for habitual past action.

Se eu fosse religioso, veneraria os ícones.

If I were religious, I would venerate the icons.

Conditional tense.

A cidade parou para venerar o herói nacional.

The city stopped to venerate the national hero.

Infinitive of purpose.

Não basta respeitar a natureza, é preciso venerá-la.

It's not enough to respect nature; it's necessary to venerate it.

Infinitive with clitic pronoun '-la'.

Muitos jovens veneram os seus ídolos pop.

Many young people venerate their pop idols.

Modern, slightly more casual usage.

O templo foi construído para venerar a deusa.

The temple was built to venerate the goddess.

Passive voice and purpose.

Apesar do tempo, o povo continua a venerar a sua imagem.

Despite the time, the people continue to venerate his/her image.

Concessive conjunction 'Apesar de'.

Duvido que eles venerem o novo presidente.

I doubt they venerate the new president.

Present subjunctive after 'duvido que'.

Venerar o passado não deve impedir o progresso.

Venerating the past should not prevent progress.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive as a subject.

O mestre era venerado por todos os seus discípulos.

The master was venerated by all his disciples.

Passive voice with agent of the passive ('por').

Ao venerar a cruz, o fiel sentiu uma grande paz.

Upon venerating the cross, the faithful felt a great peace.

Temporal clause with 'Ao' + infinitive.

Eles veneram a ciência como se fosse uma religião.

They venerate science as if it were a religion.

Comparative clause 'como se'.

O país inteiro venerou o poeta no centenário do seu nascimento.

The whole country venerated the poet on the centenary of his birth.

Preterite for a completed event.

É necessário que veneremos os nossos valores fundamentais.

It is necessary that we venerate our fundamental values.

Present subjunctive after 'É necessário que'.

A obra de Camões é venerada como o pilar da língua portuguesa.

Camões' work is venerated as the pillar of the Portuguese language.

Literary and historical context.

Oxalá as futuras gerações venerem a liberdade que conquistámos.

Hopefully future generations will venerate the freedom we conquered.

Subjunctive with 'Oxalá'.

O seu comportamento levava os outros a venerá-lo quase cegamente.

His behavior led others to venerate him almost blindly.

Clitic pronoun placement.

Não se trata apenas de admirar, mas de venerar o que é belo.

It's not just about admiring, but about venerating what is beautiful.

Contrastive structure.

Venerar-se-ia a justiça se ela fosse sempre aplicada.

Justice would be venerated if it were always applied.

Conditional with reflexive 'se' (impersonal).

A instituição é venerada pela sua integridade secular.

The institution is venerated for its centuries-old integrity.

Adjective 'secular' (centuries-old).

Quem somos nós para não venerar a sabedoria dos antigos?

Who are we not to venerate the wisdom of the ancients?

Rhetorical question.

O culto de venerar a morte é central em certas festividades.

The cult of venerating death is central to certain festivities.

Noun phrase with 'de' + infinitive.

A hermenêutica do texto sagrado exige que se venere a palavra.

The hermeneutics of the sacred text requires that the word be venerated.

High-level academic/theological vocabulary.

Venerar o efémero é o grande mal da sociedade contemporânea.

Venerating the ephemeral is the great evil of contemporary society.

Philosophical subject.

Embora o venerassem, não hesitaram em criticar as suas falhas.

Although they venerated him, they did not hesitate to criticize his flaws.

Concessive clause with 'Embora'.

O ato de venerar pressupõe uma distância intransponível entre o sujeito e o objeto.

The act of venerating presupposes an insurmountable distance between the subject and the object.

Complex abstract thought.

Venerar-se-ão os mártires enquanto houver memória da sua luta.

The martyrs will be venerated as long as there is a memory of their struggle.

Passive future with 'se'.

A aura que o rodeava fazia com que todos o venerassem instantaneamente.

The aura surrounding him made everyone venerate him instantly.

Causative structure with 'fazia com que'.

Raras são as figuras que a história ousa venerar sem reservas.

Rare are the figures that history dares to venerate without reservations.

Inverted sentence structure.

Venerar o silêncio é a forma mais pura de meditação.

Venerating silence is the purest form of meditation.

Metaphorical usage.

Common Collocations

venerar a memória

venerar um santo

venerar a imagem

venerar o passado

venerar a tradição

venerar um ídolo

venerar a natureza

ser venerado por

venerar profundamente

venerar a cruz

Common Phrases

Venerar o solo pátrio

— To show deep respect for one's homeland.

O soldado jurou venerar o solo pátrio até à morte.

Venerar os mais velhos

— To show deep respect for the elderly.

Em muitas culturas, é um dever venerar os mais velhos.

Venerar a sabedoria

— To hold wisdom in high regard.

Os gregos antigos costumavam venerar a sabedoria acima da força.

Venerar o mestre

— To show total respect to a teacher or mentor.

Ele viajou quilómetros apenas para venerar o mestre.

Venerar as relíquias

— To show respect to sacred items (usually religious).

Milhares de pessoas fazem fila para venerar as relíquias.

Venerar o silêncio

— To value silence as something sacred.

No mosteiro, aprendemos a venerar o silêncio.

Venerar a arte

— To treat art with deep reverence.

Ela entra no museu como se fosse venerar a arte.

Venerar a verdade

— To be devoted to the truth.

Um cientista deve, acima de tudo, venerar a verdade.

Venerar a vida

— To treat life as a sacred gift.

Devemos aprender a venerar a vida em todas as suas formas.

Venerar os deuses

— To pay homage to deities.

Os romanos construíram templos para venerar os deuses.

Often Confused With

venerar vs venerável

Venerável is the adjective (venerable), while venerar is the verb.

venerar vs adorar

Adorar is used for 'liking a lot' or 'worshiping God'; venerar is for deep respect of saints or heroes.

venerar vs verear

Verear means to act as a 'vereador' (city councilor); sounds similar but totally different.

Idioms & Expressions

"venerar o bezerro de ouro"

— To worship wealth or material things instead of spiritual values (biblical origin).

A sociedade moderna parece venerar o bezerro de ouro.

literary/religious

"venerar cada passo"

— To follow someone with extreme, almost obsessive devotion.

Ela venerava cada passo que o seu mentor dava.

neutral

"venerar como a um deus"

— To treat a human being as if they were divine.

Os fãs veneram o jogador como a um deus.

informal/hyperbolic

"venerar a sombra"

— To respect someone so much you even respect their shadow (metaphor for total devotion).

Ele venerava a sombra daquela mulher.

poetic

"venerar o chão que alguém pisa"

— To have extreme love and respect for someone.

Ele venera o chão que ela pisa.

informal/romantic

"venerar a letra da lei"

— To follow the law strictly and with great respect.

O juiz costuma venerar a letra da lei.

legal/formal

"venerar o altar de"

— To be devoted to a specific cause or person.

Ele venera o altar do lucro.

metaphorical

"venerar a farda"

— To have extreme respect for the military or police uniform/institution.

Desde pequeno, ele aprendeu a venerar a farda.

military/formal

"venerar os cabelos brancos"

— To respect the wisdom of old age.

É preciso venerar os cabelos brancos dos nossos avós.

proverbial

"venerar a memória dos heróis"

— A standard phrase for national remembrance.

No feriado, vamos venerar a memória dos heróis.

formal/political

Easily Confused

venerar vs Adorar

Both involve high regard.

Adorar is for God or casual likes; Venerar is for saints, heroes, and deep respect.

Eu adoro pizza, mas venero a coragem dos meus pais.

venerar vs Reverenciar

Synonyms.

Reverenciar often implies a physical act (bowing); Venerar is the internal feeling and general act.

Ele parou para reverenciar o altar.

venerar vs Respeitar

Venerar is a type of respect.

Respeitar is for everyone/everything; Venerar is only for the extraordinary.

Eu respeito o meu chefe, mas venero o meu mentor.

venerar vs Idolatrar

Both involve devotion.

Idolatrar can be negative (blind worship); Venerar is usually positive and deserved.

Não devemos idolatrar políticos.

venerar vs Estimar

Both involve valuing someone.

Estimar is more about affection and professional regard; Venerar is about awe.

Estimo os meus colegas de trabalho.

Sentence Patterns

Eu venero [person/thing].

Eu venero o meu pai.

Nós veneramos [tradition].

Nós veneramos o Natal.

[Person] é venerado por [group].

O poeta é venerado por todos.

É preciso venerar [abstract concept].

É preciso venerar a liberdade.

Ao venerar [object], [subject] sentiu...

Ao venerar a cruz, o homem sentiu paz.

Duvido que [subject] venere [object].

Duvido que ele venere a ciência.

Venerar-se-ia [concept] se...

Venerar-se-ia a paz se ela fosse real.

O ato de venerar [object] pressupõe...

O ato de venerar o passado pressupõe nostalgia.

Word Family

Nouns

veneração (veneration)

venerador (venerator)

venerabilidade (venerability)

Verbs

venerar (to venerate)

Adjectives

venerável (venerable)

venerado (venerated)

venerando (worthy of veneration)

vênia (permission/bow)

veneração

reverência

culto

adoração

How to Use It

frequency

Medium (Common in specific contexts like religion, history, and formal literature).

Common Mistakes

Eu venero de meu pai. → Eu venero o meu pai.
Venerar does not take the preposition 'de'.
Eu venero pizza. → Eu adoro pizza.
Venerar is too formal for food.
Venero o Deus. → Adoro a Deus.
In religious terms, 'adorar' is for God, 'venerar' is for saints.
O venerável homem. → O homem venerável.
Adjectives usually come after the noun, though 'venerável' can sometimes precede for emphasis.
Eles veneram ao herói. → Eles veneram o herói.
No preposition 'a' is needed.

Tips

Direct Object

Remember: no preposition! Just 'venerar [something]'.

Stress the End

Always stress the 'RAR' at the end. ve-ne-RAR.

The Adjective

Use 'venerável' for things that deserve respect because of age or wisdom.

Religious Nuance

In Portuguese-speaking countries, 'venerar' is the respectful way to talk about saints without offending religious sensibilities.

Formal Tone

If you are writing a formal letter or an academic paper, 'venerar' is a great word to show sophisticated vocabulary.

Cognate Help

If you know 'venerate' in English, you already know 90% of the meaning.

Don't confuse with 'Adorar'

Don't say 'Eu venero chocolate' unless you are starting a chocolate religion.

News Watch

Listen for this word during national holidays like 'Dia de Camões' in Portugal.

V.I.P.

Remember: V-enerar is for V.I.P.s.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Venerar' as 'V.I.P. Honor'. You only VENERAR people who are V.I.P.s in your heart or history.

Visual Association

Imagine a person bowing deeply in front of a giant, ancient, glowing book of wisdom.

Word Web

Saints Heroes Respect Awe Tradition Memory Altar Honor

Challenge

Write three sentences about someone in history you venerate and explain why using the word 'porque'.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'venerari', meaning to worship, revere, or seek the favor of.

Original meaning: To worship or seek favor (related to 'venus' meaning love, desire, or beauty).

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'venerar' in secular contexts in Brazil; it can sometimes sound 'over the top' or sarcastic if used for minor celebrities.

English speakers might find 'venerate' too formal for daily life, but in Portuguese, while formal, it is the standard word for religious and historical respect.

The 'Venerável Ordem Terceira' (a common name for religious brotherhoods). Luís de Camões' 'Os Lusíadas' often alludes to the act of veneration. Religious pilgrimages to Fátima (Portugal) or Aparecida (Brazil).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Religious Settings

venerar o santo
venerar as relíquias
venerar a cruz
venerar a imagem

Historical/National

venerar os heróis
venerar a bandeira
venerar a pátria
venerar a memória

Academic/Professional

venerar o mestre
venerar o conhecimento
venerar a tradição
venerar o exemplo

Family

venerar os pais
venerar os antepassados
venerar os mais velhos
venerar a linhagem

Art/Culture

venerar a obra
venerar o talento
venerar a beleza
venerar o génio

Conversation Starters

"Qual é a figura histórica que você mais venera?"

"Você acha que a sociedade moderna ainda venera os seus idosos?"

"Na sua cultura, quais são os símbolos que as pessoas costumam venerar?"

"É possível venerar alguém que ainda está vivo, ou isso é apenas admiração?"

"Você venera algum artista ou escritor em particular?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre uma pessoa que tu veneras e explica as qualidades que a tornam digna desse respeito.

Reflete sobre a diferença entre respeitar uma lei e venerar um ideal.

Descreve uma tradição da tua família que tu consideras importante venerar.

Achais que é perigoso venerar líderes políticos? Porquê?

Como é que a forma como veneramos o passado influencia o nosso futuro?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It sounds very dramatic. In Portuguese, it would imply you treat them like a deity. Usually, 'adorar' or 'amar' is better unless you are writing a poem.

No. You can venerate a national hero, a scientist, a parent, or an abstract concept like 'truth' or 'freedom'.

In a Catholic context, 'venerar' is to show respect to saints (dulia), while 'adorar' is to worship God (latria). In English, 'worship' is often used for both, but Portuguese makes a strict distinction.

Yes, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb. If you know how to conjugate 'falar', you know 'venerar'.

No. It is a transitive direct verb. 'Venerar o santo', not 'venerar ao santo'.

Only if you are being very sarcastic or hyperbolic. Otherwise, it sounds strange.

It means 'venerated' or 'highly respected'. Example: 'O venerado líder'.

Yes, but mostly in formal contexts, news, and religion. In daily conversation, it's rare.

Yes, 'venerar-se' means to be venerated or to venerate oneself (though the latter is rare/narcissistic).

The noun form is 'veneração' (veneration).