initials

[/ɪˈnɪʃəlz/]
nounpl: N/A (already plural form)
iniciais
1. The first letters of a person's name(s), typically used as an abbreviation
My initials are J.R.M.
Minhas iniciais são J.R.M.
2. A large decorative letter at the beginning of a chapter or section in a book or manuscript
The medieval manuscript featured ornate initials in gold leaf.
O manuscrito medieval apresentava iniciais ornamentadas em ouro.
3. To write or sign with one's initials
Please initial each page of the contract.
Por favor, rubrique cada página do contrato.
In Brazil and Portugal, initials are commonly used on formal documents, contracts, and official correspondence. Initialing (rubricar) is a legal practice for document authentication. Monogrammed items with initials are popular gifts and status symbols in both Portuguese-speaking cultures and North America.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
monogramabbreviationfirst letterssignature
Antonyms / Antônimos
full namecomplete name

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
iniciais
Most common usage; refers to first letters of names or decorative letters
Rio de Janeiro
iniciais
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
iniciais
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese; business contexts use 'rubricar' for initialing
Portugal
iniciais
Same usage; may also use 'rubrica' for signature or initial; 'assinar com iniciais' is common

Related Words

acronymabbreviationmonogramsignaturefirst namesurname

Related Idioms & Phrases

sign one's initials
mark with initials
write in initials
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →