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sail

[/seɪl/]
noun/verbpl: sails
vela
1. A piece of fabric attached to a ship or boat to catch the wind and propel it forward
The ship unfurled its sails to catch the wind.
O navio abriu suas velas para apanhar o vento.
2. To travel by boat or ship, especially using sails
We sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.
Navegamos através do Oceano Atlântico.
3. To move smoothly and effortlessly through the air or water
The bird sailed through the sky.
O pássaro planou pelo céu.
4. To begin a journey by ship
The cruise ship sails tomorrow at noon.
O navio de cruzeiro parte amanhã ao meio-dia.
Synonyms
canvasnavigatevoyagecruise
Antonyms
anchordockmoor

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vela
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
vela
Standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
vela
Standard usage, also used in nautical context
Portugal
vela
Standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

set sail - partir, zarpar (to begin a voyage)
sail close to the wind - agir de forma arriscada (to take risks)
plain sailing - estar tudo bem, sem dificuldades (something easy and straightforward)
trim one's sails - adaptar-se às circunstâncias (to adjust one's approach)
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