touch upon

[/tʌtʃ əˈpɑn/]
verb (phrasal verb)
abordar brevemente
1. to mention or discuss a topic briefly or in passing, without going into great detail
The speaker touched upon several important issues during the conference.
O palestrante abordou brevemente várias questões importantes durante a conferência.
2. to make light contact with something or someone
She gently touched upon his shoulder to get his attention.
Ela tocou levemente em seu ombro para chamar sua atenção.
3. to have a slight effect or connection to something
This topic touches upon sensitive cultural matters.
Este tópico toca em questões culturais sensíveis.
In both American English and Brazilian Portuguese, 'touch upon' is a common phrase used in academic, professional, and everyday discourse to indicate brief or superficial treatment of a topic. It conveys politeness and suggests the speaker acknowledges a topic exists but isn't diving deep into it, which is often used in formal presentations, meetings, and written communications.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mentionrefer toallude tobroachdiscuss brieflybring up
Antonyms / Antônimos
ignoreavoidoverlookelaborate onexplore thoroughly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
abordar brevemente / tocar em
most common usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
abordar / tocar no assunto
casual colloquial usage
São Paulo
abordar / mencionar
formal business and academic contexts
Portugal
abordar / tocar em
equivalent Portuguese usage, similar to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

addresscovertalk aboutreferencehint at

Related Idioms & Phrases

touch a nerve
touch base
touch and go
get in touch
lose touch
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