cushion

[/ˈkʊʃən/]
noun/verbpl: cushions
almofada
1. A soft pillow or pad used for sitting, leaning, or decorative purposes
She placed a cushion on the chair for comfort.
Ela colocou uma almofada na cadeira para conforto.
2. Something that softens or protects from impact or shock
The mattress acts as a cushion for your body.
O colchão funciona como uma almofada para seu corpo.
3. A pad on the inner edge of a billiards or pool table
He bounced the ball off the cushion.
Ele bateu a bola na lateral da mesa de bilhar.
4. (verb) To soften the effect of something unpleasant; to protect from harm
Good savings can cushion you against financial hardship.
Uma boa poupança pode protegê-lo contra dificuldades financeiras.
In both Brazilian and American culture, cushions are essential home décor items. Brazilians often use decorative almofadas on sofas and beds as design elements. The term 'cushion' in American English often refers to both decorative and functional uses, whereas in Portuguese it more strictly denotes the object itself, with cultural significance in home comfort and aesthetics.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pillowpadbufferbolsterprotection
Antonyms / Antônimos
hardnessimpactexposure

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
almofada
Most common term for a cushion or pillow
Brazil
travesseiro
Specifically refers to a pillow for sleeping
Brazil
painel
Used in billiards/pool context
Portugal
almofada
Same as Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
pano de proteção
For protective cushioning purposes

Related Words

sofacouchmattressupholsterypaddingcomfort

Related Idioms & Phrases

cushion the blow - to soften or lessen the impact of bad news
air cushion - a layer of compressed air used for support or protection
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