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alentar

[ɐ.lẽ.ˈtaɾ]
verb
to encourage, to inspire, to hearten
1. To give courage, confidence, or hope to someone
The coach's words encouraged the team to continue fighting.
As palavras do treinador alentaram o time a continuar lutando.
2. To inspire or motivate someone to do something
Her success encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
O sucesso dela o alentou a perseguir seus sonhos.
3. To give support or hope in difficult times
The good news encouraged us during the crisis.
A boa notícia nos alentou durante a crise.
Synonyms
encorajaranimarestimularinspirarincentivarfortalecer
Antonyms
desanimardescoraçoardesestimulardesanuviardesalentar

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
encorajar
More commonly used synonym in everyday Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
alentar
Used in formal and literary contexts
Portugal
alentar
Common usage in both formal and informal contexts; slightly more traditional

Related Idioms & Phrases

alentar a esperança - to foster hope
alentar o coração - to hearten, to lift one's spirits
alentar a chama - to keep the flame alive (metaphorically)
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