complete stop

[kəmˈpliːt stɒp]
nounpl: complete stops
ponto final
1. a full stop or period (.) used at the end of a sentence in writing
Every sentence should end with a complete stop.
Toda frase deve terminar com um ponto final.
2. a total cessation or halt of activity or movement
The project came to a complete stop after the funding was withdrawn.
O projeto chegou a uma parada completa depois que o financiamento foi retirado.
3. British English term for a period (punctuation mark)
Don't forget the complete stop at the end of your sentence.
Não esqueça do ponto final no final da sua frase.
In British English, 'complete stop' and 'full stop' are interchangeable terms for the period punctuation mark (.). In American English, 'period' is preferred. The phrase is commonly used both literally in writing instruction and figuratively to mean a total cessation of activity. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'ponto final' carries both meanings seamlessly.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
full stopperiodstophaltstandstill
Antonyms / Antônimos
continuationmovementprogressstart

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ponto final
standard term for the punctuation mark and for a complete halt
Rio de Janeiro
ponto final
same as general Brazilian usage
São Paulo
ponto final
same as general Brazilian usage
Portugal
ponto final
Portuguese also uses 'ponto' or 'travessão' in certain contexts; 'complete stop' is equivalent to British English 'full stop'

Related Words

punctuationperiodfull stopcommasemicolonhaltcessation

Related Idioms & Phrases

come to a complete stop
bring something to a complete stop
come to a complete stop and think
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →