Meaning of Abater in Brazilian Portuguese

Let’s learn the meaning of “abater” in Brazilian Portuguese. This versatile verb can be used in various contexts, ranging from finance to everyday emotions. Understanding its nuances not only enriches your vocabulary but also gives you a deeper insight into how language reflects cultural attitudes and practices. Join us as we explore different uses of “abater,” complete with examples that will help clarify its meanings and applications.

What is the Meaning of Abater in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the word “abater” carries a few nuanced meanings depending on its usage in context. Primarily, it translates to ‘to slaughter’ or ‘to kill’, especially referring to animals for food processing. However, abater can also mean bringing down physically or figuratively such as knocking down prices during a sale (abater preços), lowering one’s spirits (abatido por uma notícia triste), or reducing numbers like inflation rates. This verb encapsulates both physical and metaphorical acts of reduction, defeat, and suppression making it versatile in everyday language use.

Used in a Sentence:

1. O governo anunciou medidas para abater a inflação que tem afetado o país.
– The government announced measures to reduce the inflation that has been affecting the country.

2. Após receber a notícia, ele se sentiu abatido e precisou de tempo para recuperar-se.
– After receiving the news, he felt overwhelmed and needed time to recover.

3. Os impostos sobre produtos importados foram aumentados para abater a concorrência desleal com os produtores nacionais.
– Taxes on imported products were increased to decrease unfair competition with national producers.

What is the Etymlogy of Abater

The term “abater” in Brazilian Portuguese originates from the Latin word “abattuere,” which means to knock down or fell. Over time, this verb evolved through various stages of linguistic development influenced by both Vulgar Latin and later Medieval Latin usage before being incorporated into Portuguese. In its journey across languages, it retained a core meaning related to reducing, lowering, or defeating something or someone. This etymological background is crucial for understanding how the term has come to be used in modern Brazilian Portuguese with nuances that encompass physical as well as metaphorical forms of reduction and defeat.

Is there any Cultural Significance to Abater in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the term “abater” primarily means to slaughter or kill, especially in reference to animals. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone being deeply affected emotionally or physically diminished. While not inherently laden with cultural significance on its own, the way this word is utilized within various contexts can reflect deeper societal attitudes towards topics such as animal husbandry and mental health. For instance, discussions around ethical treatment of livestock might frequently employ ‘abater’ when debating practices and regulations in Brazil’s agricultural sectors. Similarly, understanding how Brazilians use ‘abater’ related to emotional states could offer insights into social norms concerning expressions of grief or defeat.

How do you Pronounce Abater in Brazilian Portuguese?

To pronounce “abater” in Brazilian Portuguese, start by saying the first syllable as ‘a’, similar to the ‘a’ in “car”. The second syllable is pronounced like ‘ba’, with a soft and short ‘b’ sound followed by another ‘a’. Finally, end with the third syllable sounding like ‘ter’. This last part should be said quickly and sharply. It’s important to stress on the second syllable (‘ba’), which carries more emphasis compared to others. Overall it sounds somewhat akin to ah-bah-TEHR.

Synonyms and Antonyms

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “abater” has several synonyms that convey similar meanings. Some of these include “derrubar,” which means to knock down or overthrow; “derrotar,” meaning to defeat; and “diminuir,” translating as to reduce or decrease. Each synonym reflects a slightly different nuance in usage depending on context—whether discussing physical actions, emotional states, or quantitative changes. On the other hand, antonyms for “abater” would be verbs like “levantar,” meaning to lift up or raise; “construir,” which translates as build up; and “aumentar”, referring specifically to increase something in size, number, strength etc., offering a direct contrast by implying growth rather than reduction.

What is Abater in Different Languages?

Abater is a verb in Brazilian Portuguese that translates to “to slaughter” or “to knock down.” In English, the closest equivalents are these verbs themselves – “slaughter” when referring to killing animals for food and “knock down” when talking about reducing something in size or number. The Spanish counterpart of abater would be ‘abatir’, which also carries similar meanings such as defeating someone, knocking something over, or feeling dejected. Meanwhile, French uses ‘abattre’ with analogous applications including chopping down trees and causing someone’s downfall emotionally or physically. Each language adapts this root concept according to its own linguistic nuances and cultural contexts.

Collocations Using Abater in Brazilian Portuguese

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “abater” is often used in various contexts and can be paired with different words to convey specific meanings. Common collocations include “abater preços,” which means to reduce prices, suggesting a discount or markdown. Another frequent use is “abater animais,” referring specifically to slaughtering animals for food production or control purposes. In financial terms, one might encounter “abater custos,” implying cutting down on costs or expenses. Additionally, it’s also used metaphorically as in “o problema abateu seu ânimo”, meaning that the problem deeply discouraged him/her or dampened his/her spirits.

What are some Mnemonics to use to Remember the Meaning of Abater in Brazilian Portuguese?

To easily remember the meaning of “abater” in Brazilian Portuguese, which is to reduce, lower or slaughter depending on context, you can use a simple mnemonic: think of “A Batter.” Imagine someone battering down prices (reducing them) or batting away obstacles (lowering difficulties), and for its more grim sense involving animals – picture a butcher having to ‘bat’ at his tasks. This visual association with ‘battering’ something helps encapsulate all major meanings of abater – reducing intensity, lowering amounts or slaughtering livestock.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the word “abater” in Brazilian Portuguese carries a rich array of meanings that can be applied to various contexts. From its use in describing the act of bringing down or defeating someone or something, to reducing prices and even referring to emotional impacts like feeling disheartened, “abater” is truly versatile. Understanding such multifaceted words enriches your grasp of Brazilian Portuguese and enhances your ability to express nuanced emotions and thoughts effectively.

As you continue on your language learning journey, remember that each new word adds depth not only to your vocabulary but also helps bridge cultural understandings. Keep exploring the beauty and complexity of Brazilian Portuguese through every phrase you learn; it’s an endeavor that promises both challenge and reward!