Prezado

Presado is a Portuguese adjective meaning “dear,” “esteemed,” or “respected,” commonly used as a form of address in letters, emails and other written communication. The term originates from the verb presar (archaic), which meant “to cherish” or “to value highly,” and is related to the Latin prae‑ (“before”) and sacer (“sacred”). In contemporary Portuguese the word is invariable in gender and number, and it precedes the name or title of the addressee: Prezado Senhor, Prezado(a) colega, Prezados clientes.

In formal correspondence the salutation “Prezado(a)” functions similarly to the English “Dear,” signalling politeness and a respectful tone. The feminine form “Prezada” is used when the recipient’s gender is known, while the plural “Prezados” addresses a group. In business contexts, variations such as “Prezado Sr.” (for “Prezado Senhor”) or “Prezada Sra.” are also frequent. The use of “Prezado” has spread to electronic mail, where it remains a standard opening before the body of the message.

The word is also employed in broader contexts to describe something valued or cherished, for example, “um livro prezado” (a treasured book). Although less common in spoken Portuguese, the adjective can appear in literary or rhetorical styles to convey affection or high regard.

Related terms include caro (“dear” in the sense of “expensive” or “beloved”), estimado (“esteemed”), and ilustre (“illustrious”). “Prezado” remains a staple of formal Portuguese etiquette, reflecting a longstanding cultural emphasis on respectfulness in written communication.