Mostra-se relevante
It proves to be relevant
Literally: Shows-itself relevant
Use this to elegantly explain why a specific point or item is actually important to the situation.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when something proves its value in a specific context.
- Common in professional meetings, academic writing, and serious discussions.
- A sophisticated way to say something is 'important' or 'useful'.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that reveals its importance or usefulness over time. It is like saying a certain detail or action has proven its worth in a specific situation.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
O novo relatório mostra-se relevante para a nossa estratégia.
The new report proves to be relevant to our strategy.
Discussing a news article
Esta notícia mostra-se relevante para quem vive no centro.
This news proves to be relevant for those living downtown.
Texting a friend about advice
A tua dica mostra-se relevante agora que estou a viajar.
Your tip is proving to be relevant now that I'm traveling.
Cultural Background
In Portugal and Brazil, using reflexive verbs like 'mostra-se' is a hallmark of sophisticated speech. It moves the focus from the speaker to the object itself, which is a common trait in formal Romance language rhetoric. It became particularly popular in legal and academic writing before filtering into professional office culture.
The 'Se' Factor
The 'se' makes it reflexive. It's like the object is doing the showing. It sounds much more objective than saying 'I think this is important'.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this every five minutes, you'll sound like a corporate robot. Save it for the points you really want to emphasize.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when something proves its value in a specific context.
- Common in professional meetings, academic writing, and serious discussions.
- A sophisticated way to say something is 'important' or 'useful'.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a slow reveal. Something starts off looking ordinary. Then, suddenly, it becomes the star of the show. It’s not just 'important.' It 'shows itself' to be important. It’s like a plot twist in a movie. You realize that the small detail mattered all along. It implies that the relevance wasn't immediate. It was proven by the context.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to highlight significance. It follows a subject. For example, A sua opinião mostra-se relevante. You are saying her opinion is proving its worth. It sounds smart and polished. You can use it for objects, ideas, or even people. It’s a great way to sound professional without being a robot. Just remember to match the verb if you change the subject.
When To Use It
Use it in a business meeting. It’s perfect for explaining why a project matters. Use it in an essay or a formal email. It works well when discussing news or trends. If you're texting a friend about a serious topic, it adds weight. It shows you’ve put thought into what you’re saying. It’s the 'adult' way to say something is useful.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it while shouting at a football match. It’s too 'fancy' for that. If you’re just asking for a beer, skip it. Your friends might think you’ve swallowed a dictionary. Avoid it in very high-energy, slang-heavy environments. It’s a bit too elegant for a rowdy party. It can sound a bit cold if used in a very intimate, casual setting.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values 'falar bem' (speaking well). Being articulate is a sign of education. This phrase is a staple of 'bom português.' It shows you can navigate formal social structures. It’s common in Lisbon and Porto boardrooms. It’s a bridge between everyday talk and academic discourse. It reflects a culture that appreciates nuance and formal presentation.
Common Variations
You might hear revela-se importante. This is very similar. Another one is torna-se pertinente. That means it becomes relevant. If you want to be even fancier, try afigura-se relevante. But stick to mostra-se for a balance of style and clarity. It’s the sweet spot of sounding educated.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the formal to neutral register. It is highly effective in professional environments but should be used sparingly in casual conversation to avoid sounding pretentious.
The 'Se' Factor
The 'se' makes it reflexive. It's like the object is doing the showing. It sounds much more objective than saying 'I think this is important'.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this every five minutes, you'll sound like a corporate robot. Save it for the points you really want to emphasize.
The 'Falar Bem' Secret
In Portugal, using verbs like 'mostrar-se' or 'revelar-se' is a quick way to gain 'street cred' in professional circles. It signals you are well-educated.
Examples
6O novo relatório mostra-se relevante para a nossa estratégia.
The new report proves to be relevant to our strategy.
Highlights the importance of data in a professional setting.
Esta notícia mostra-se relevante para quem vive no centro.
This news proves to be relevant for those living downtown.
Connecting information to a specific group of people.
A tua dica mostra-se relevante agora que estou a viajar.
Your tip is proving to be relevant now that I'm traveling.
A slightly more polished way to thank a friend for advice.
Este pequeno abre-latas mostra-se relevante nesta cozinha vazia!
This little can opener is proving to be relevant in this empty kitchen!
Using formal language for a mundane object to create irony.
O teu apoio mostra-se relevante para a minha recuperação.
Your support proves to be relevant to my recovery.
Using 'relevante' here adds a layer of serious appreciation.
A variável X mostra-se relevante no resultado final.
Variable X proves to be relevant in the final result.
Standard way to describe findings in a study.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to complete the formal sentence.
A sua experiência anterior ___ relevante para este cargo.
The subject 'A sua experiência' is singular, so the verb must be 'mostra-se'.
Which word best fits the context of proving importance?
O detalhe que mencionaste ___ relevante na reunião de ontem.
In the past tense, 'mostrou-se' indicates that the detail proved its relevance during the meeting.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Mostra-se relevante'
Talking to a sibling about pizza.
É importante.
Chatting with a colleague at lunch.
Isto faz sentido.
Presenting a project to a manager.
Mostra-se relevante.
Legal document or high academic thesis.
Afigura-se de extrema relevância.
Where to use 'Mostra-se relevante'
Office Meeting
Explaining a new data point.
University Essay
Discussing a research finding.
Professional Email
Justifying a budget request.
Serious Debate
Countering an argument with facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsNot exactly. É relevante means it is relevant right now. Mostra-se relevante implies that its relevance has become apparent or has been proven through a process.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in both. In Brazil, you might occasionally hear se mostra relevante (placing the 'se' before the verb) in less formal writing.
The se is a reflexive pronoun. It literally means the subject 'shows itself' to be relevant, making the statement sound more objective.
It's a bit formal for a 'What's up?' text, but if you are discussing something serious or work-related on WhatsApp, it's very common.
Yes! You can say O novo funcionário mostra-se relevante. It means the new employee is proving to be a valuable asset.
If the subject is plural, use mostram-se relevantes. For example: Estes dados mostram-se relevantes.
Absolutely. Use mostrou-se relevante for something that proved to be important in the past.
Relevante sounds slightly more professional and specific than importante, which is very general.
You can use revela-se pertinente, torna-se importante, or evidencia-se como fundamental.
Usually, it follows the subject. However, in very formal writing, you might see Mostra-se relevante salientar que... (It proves relevant to highlight that...).
In a professional or academic setting, it sounds very natural. In a bar with friends, it might sound a bit stiff.
Related Phrases
Revela-se essencial
Proves to be essential
Torna-se útil
Becomes useful
Vem a propósito
Comes at the right time / is relevant
É de suma importância
Is of utmost importance
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