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wilderness

[/ˈwɪldərnəs/]
nounfemininepl: wildernesses
deserto; selva; área selvagem
1. A wild and uncultivated region; an area of land in its natural state, uninhabited or sparsely populated
The hikers ventured into the wilderness for a week-long expedition.
Os caminhantes aventuraram-se na selva por uma expedição de uma semana.
2. A state of being lost, confused, or out of favor
After the scandal, the politician was cast into the wilderness.
Após o escândalo, o político foi relegado ao ostracismo.
3. A large uncultivated area or confused collection of things
The office was a wilderness of papers and files.
O escritório era uma selva de papéis e arquivos.
Synonyms
wildwastelandbackcountryoutbackuntamed land
Antonyms
civilizationcityurban areacultivated land

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
deserto; selva; área selvagem
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
mato; selva
Colloquial usage for remote areas
Amazon Region
floresta virgem; mata fechada
Regional term for untouched forest
Portugal
deserto; zona selvagem; ermo
Ermo used for desolate, barren areas

Related Idioms & Phrases

cry in the wilderness - clamar no deserto (speak without being heard)
in the wilderness - no ostracismo (out of favor or power)
voice in the wilderness - voz isolada (a lonely voice speaking unpopular truths)
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