appropriate words

[/əˈproʊpriət wɜrdz/]
noun phrase
palavras apropriadas
1. Words that are suitable, fitting, or proper for a particular context, audience, or situation
The teacher praised the student for using appropriate words in the formal essay.
A professora elogiou o aluno por usar palavras apropriadas no ensaio formal.
2. Language that is correct and respectful according to social conventions or professional standards
It's important to choose appropriate words when speaking to your boss.
É importante escolher palavras apropriadas quando se fala com seu chefe.
3. Vocabulary that matches the tone, register, and style required by a specific communication context
For a job interview, you should prepare appropriate words to describe your qualifications.
Para uma entrevista de emprego, você deve preparar palavras apropriadas para descrever suas qualificações.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, using 'appropriate words' is highly valued in professional, academic, and formal social settings. In Brazil, there is particular emphasis on linguistic formality (você vs. tu) and register adaptation based on social hierarchy. In the USA, the concept extends to political correctness and inclusive language considerations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
suitable wordsfitting wordsproper wordscorrect wordsapt wordsrelevant words
Antonyms / Antônimos
inappropriate wordsunsuitable wordsoffensive wordsimproper wordsirrelevant words

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
palavras apropriadas
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
palavras certas
Colloquial alternative meaning 'the right words'
São Paulo
palavras adequadas
More formal variant used in business contexts
Portugal
palavras adequadas
Preferred formal term in European Portuguese

Related Words

language registervocabularydictiontonecontextetiquetteformalityprofessionalism

Related Idioms & Phrases

choose one's words carefully
find the right words
put words in someone's mouth
words fail me
have a way with words
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