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recato

[ʁe.ˈka.tu]
nounmasculinepl: recatos
modesty, reserve, discretion
1. The quality of being modest, reserved, or discreet in behavior or dress
She conducted herself with great recato at the formal event.
Ela se comportou com grande recato no evento formal.
2. Prudence and caution in one's actions or words
He spoke with recato about the sensitive matter.
Ele falou com recato sobre o assunto delicado.
3. Chastity or virtue, particularly in regard to sexual behavior
In the past, recato was highly valued in unmarried women.
No passado, o recato era muito valorizado em mulheres solteiras.
Synonyms
modéstiadiscriçãopudorreservacautela
Antonyms
impudênciadescaramentoousadiadesenvoltura

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
recato
Standard usage across Brazil, emphasizing modesty and discretion
Portugal
recato
Used with emphasis on reserve and virtuous behavior, somewhat formal

Related Idioms & Phrases

com recato - with discretion, modestly
sem recato - shamelessly, without restraint
falta de recato - lack of modesty
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