àquele

Àquele is a Portuguese contraction formed by the preposition "a" and the demonstrative pronoun "aquele". "Aquele" itself is a masculine singular form used to point to something or someone that is distant from both the speaker and the listener, or distant from the speaker but close to the listener. When combined with the preposition "a", it becomes "àquele". This contraction is used when the preposition "a" directly precedes the demonstrative pronoun "aquele".

The usage of "àquele" typically follows verbs or prepositions that require the preposition "a". For example, in the sentence "Eu vou àquele lugar" (I am going to that place), the preposition "a" is required by the verb "ir" (to go), and it contracts with "aquele" to form "àquele". Similarly, if a phrase or verb dictates the use of the preposition "a" before "aquele", the contraction occurs. It maintains the meaning of pointing to something or someone at a distance. The feminine equivalent, "àquela", follows the same principle, formed by "a" + "aquela". Understanding these contractions is crucial for correct grammar in Portuguese.