Prezada

Prezada is the feminine form of the Portuguese honorific used to address a female recipient in formal written communication. It functions similarly to "Dear" in English, signaling respect and formality at the outset of a message.

Origins and use: The term derives from the verb prezar, meaning to prize or esteem, with the past participle prezado meaning esteemed. In greetings, Prezada is combined with a name or title, as in "Prezada Sra. Santos," or "Prezada Senhora," or simply "Prezada Maria," depending on formality and proximity.

Usage: It is widely used in Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese in business letters, official correspondence, and polite emails. The form is generally followed by a comma, and the body of the message begins on the next line. It is less common in informal contexts, where greetings such as "Olá" or "Oi" may be preferred.

Variations and gender: The masculine counterpart is Prezado, as in "Prezado Senhor..." For plural forms addressing multiple women, "Prezadas" or "Prezadas Senhoras" can be used, or "Prezados Senhores" for mixed or male groups.

Notes: In some contexts, titles such as "Prezada Doutora" or "Prezado Doutor" are used when the recipient's professional title is known or appropriate. The choice of formality can reflect cultural norms and the relationship between correspondents.