bloc

[/blɑk/]
nounmasculinepl: blocs
bloco
1. A group of countries or political parties with shared interests or goals
The Soviet bloc dominated Eastern Europe during the Cold War.
O bloco soviético dominou a Europa Oriental durante a Guerra Fria.
2. A large solid piece of material
The sculptor carved the figure from a bloc of marble.
O escultor esculpiu a figura de um bloco de mármore.
3. A group of things united for a common purpose
The voting bloc pushed for new environmental legislation.
O bloco de votantes pressionou pela nova legislação ambiental.
4. In Brazil, a carnival group or parade unit
Thousands of people joined the carnival bloc in Rio de Janeiro.
Milhares de pessoas participaram do bloco de carnaval no Rio de Janeiro.
In Brazil, 'bloco' has a unique cultural significance during Carnival season, referring to organized groups that parade through streets with music and dancing. The word gained international prominence during the Cold War to describe the Soviet Bloc and Western Bloc divisions. In contemporary usage, it commonly refers to political or economic groupings of nations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
groupalliancecoalitionchunkunitfaction
Antonyms / Antônimos
individualfragment

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
bloco
Used in political and carnival contexts; very common during Carnival season
Rio de Janeiro
bloco
Primarily associated with carnival street parades and organized groups of revelers
São Paulo
bloco
Similar carnival usage; also used in political/international relations contexts
Portugal
bloco
Used primarily in political and geopolitical contexts; less associated with carnival

Related Words

bloc votingvoting blocEastern blocWestern bloceconomic bloc

Related Idioms & Phrases

voting bloc - a group of voters with common interests
bloc mentality - the tendency to think in terms of opposing groups
behind the bloc - united as a group
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