ponto zero

[PON-too ZEH-roo]
nounmasculinepl: pontos zero
ground zero
1. The exact point or location where something begins, originates, or starts from; the initial point of reference
Ground zero is where the investigation begins.
O ponto zero é onde a investigação começa.
2. The starting point or baseline from which progress, measurements, or calculations are made
We need to return to point zero and reassess our strategy.
Precisamos voltar ao ponto zero e reavaliar nossa estratégia.
3. In urban contexts, the exact location of an explosion or disaster
Ground zero of the explosion was at the intersection.
O ponto zero da explosão foi no cruzamento.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'ponto zero' is widely used in business, project management, and disaster response contexts. It gained prominence in Brazil following international media coverage of major events. The phrase is formal and technical, commonly appearing in reports, presentations, and analytical discussions. In Portugal, the phrase exists but is less idiomatic than in Brazil, where 'ponto de partida' is often preferred.
NYC Slang
ground zero; starting point; square one
Synonyms / Sinônimos
origemponto de partidainíciobasereferência inicial
Antonyms / Antônimos
ponto finaltérminofim

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ponto zero
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ponto zero
Common in technical and analytical contexts
São Paulo
ponto zero
Frequently used in business and project management discourse
Portugal
ponto zero
Used similarly but less frequent than in Brazil; 'ponto de partida' more common

Related Words

ponto de referênciaponto de partidalinha de baseorigem

Related Idioms & Phrases

voltar ao ponto zero
começar do ponto zero
partir do ponto zero
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