soporific
[/ˌsɒpəˈrɪfɪk/ (UK), /ˌsɑːpəˈrɪfɪk/ (US)]
adjective, nounN/A (adjective); masculine (noun form)pl: N/A (adjective); soporifics (noun)
soporífero, sonífera (adjective); soporífero (noun)
1. Causing or tending to cause sleep; sleep-inducing
The warm milk had a soporific effect on the child.
O leite morno teve um efeito soporífero na criança.
2. Dull, monotonous, and boring; tending to induce drowsiness through tedium
The lecture was so soporific that half the class fell asleep.
A palestra era tão soporífera que metade da turma adormeceu.
3. (As noun) A drug or substance that induces sleep; a sedative
The doctor prescribed a soporific to help with insomnia.
O médico prescreveu um soporífero para ajudar com a insônia.
In both Brazilian Portuguese and English-speaking cultures, 'soporific' is primarily used in formal, educated contexts—medical, academic, or literary settings. In Brazil, it's commonly used in medical discussions and formal writing, while colloquial speakers often use simpler phrases like 'que dá sono' (sleep-inducing) or 'chato' (boring). In the USA and UK, the word carries a somewhat sophisticated, somewhat humorous tone when describing tedious situations.
NYC Slang
a real snooze, a dud, puts you to sleep (figurative use)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →