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apparent ability

[/əˈpærənt əˈbɪləti/]
nounpl: apparent abilities
capacidade aparente
1. A skill or competence that seems to exist or be present based on observable evidence, but may not reflect true capability
Despite his apparent ability to speak French, he struggled with complex conversations.
Apesar de sua capacidade aparente de falar francês, ele tinha dificuldade com conversas complexas.
2. Outward demonstration of capability that may be misleading or superficial
The student's apparent ability in mathematics was deceiving; he had memorized formulas without understanding them.
A capacidade aparente do aluno em matemática era enganosa; ele havia memorizado fórmulas sem compreendê-las.
NYC Slang
all talk, no action
Synonyms
seeming abilityostensible abilitysurface competencesuperficial skill
Antonyms
actual abilitytrue capabilitygenuine competence

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
capacidade aparente
standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
capacidade aparente
common in formal and informal contexts
Portugal
capacidade aparente
standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

more than meets the eye
looks can be deceiving
all show and no go
fake it till you make it
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