Forço

Forço is a masculine noun in Portuguese that covers several related ideas linked to power and exertion. It commonly denotes the act of applying strength or energy, whether physical or moral, to achieve a goal. In broader or older usage, forço can also refer to coercion or the imposition of an action on someone. In contemporary standard language, the term is more often superseded by força (for physical force) and esforço (for effort), but forço remains possible in certain expressions and regional or historical contexts.

Etymology and relationship to related terms: forço derives from the verb forçar, which means to force or compel. This verb, in turn, traces back to concepts of strength and power that are also encoded in the noun força. The semantic field of forçar/forço, força, and esforço centers on the idea of applying or summoning capacity in order to provoke an effect, whether in the physical world or in human will.

Usage notes: In everyday Portuguese, força is the standard term for physical force; esforço is used for effort, diligence, or exertion of will. Forço appears mainly in fixed expressions, older texts, or regional varieties, where it retains nuances of application of force or coercion. When discussing mechanics or physics formally, água the term força is preferred; when referring to personal exertion, esforço is typically chosen.

See also: forçar, força, esforço.