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morro

[ˈmɔ.ʁu]
nounmasculinepl: morros
hill
1. A small or medium-sized elevation of land; a hill
We climbed to the top of the morro to enjoy the view.
Subimos ao topo do morro para aproveitar a vista.
2. In Rio de Janeiro, an informal settlement built on a hillside; a favela
Many people live in the morros surrounding the city.
Muitas pessoas vivem nos morros ao redor da cidade.
3. A rocky or steep hill
The old fortress was built on a morro overlooking the valley.
A antiga fortaleza foi construída em um morro que domina o vale.
NYC Slang
hill (in some neighborhoods), projects (when referring to hillside settlements)
Synonyms
colinamonteelevaçãocerro
Antonyms
valedepressão

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
morro
Standard term for hill; also commonly refers to favelas in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
morro
Specifically refers to hillside slums or favelas; culturally significant term
São Paulo
morro
General term for hill; less associated with favelas than in Rio
Portugal
colina
Portuguese preference for 'colina' over 'morro'; morro is less common in Portugal

Related Idioms & Phrases

morro acima (uphill)
morro abaixo (downhill)
sair do morro (to escape poverty/difficult circumstances)
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