verbal commitments

[/ˈvɜːrbəl kəˈmɪtmənts/]
nounpl: verbal commitments
compromissos verbais
1. Promises or pledges made orally without written documentation
The contract was based on verbal commitments made during the meeting.
O contrato foi baseado em compromissos verbais feitos durante a reunião.
2. Spoken agreements or undertakings to do something
We should not rely solely on verbal commitments in business dealings.
Não devemos depender apenas de compromissos verbais em negócios.
3. Promises or assurances expressed in speech rather than writing
Her verbal commitments to the project were not enough without a formal agreement.
Seus compromissos verbais com o projeto não foram suficientes sem um acordo formal.
In both Brazilian and American business contexts, verbal commitments are often viewed with caution and skepticism, as they lack legal enforceability compared to written contracts. However, in informal or relationship-based business dealings, especially in Brazil's social-business culture, verbal commitments may carry significant weight based on trust and personal reputation. The phrase emphasizes the importance of documentation in formal agreements.
NYC Slang
word of mouth promises / handshake deals
Synonyms / Sinônimos
spoken promisesoral agreementsverbal promisesspoken commitmentsword of mouth commitments
Antonyms / Antônimos
written commitmentsformal agreementsdocumented commitmentscontractssigned agreements

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
compromissos verbais
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
promessas de boca
More colloquial expression
São Paulo
compromissos verbais / accordos de palavra
Business-oriented usage
Portugal
compromissos verbais / promessas orais
European Portuguese equivalent

Related Words

promisecommitmentagreementpledgecontractobligationundertakingassurance

Related Idioms & Phrases

take someone at their word
a man's word is his bond
go back on one's word
break a promise
keep one's word
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