Temor

Temor is a noun used in Portuguese and Spanish to denote fear, dread, or reverence. In everyday language it can refer to a feeling of apprehension about something harmful or uncertain, but it is often more formal, abstract, or nuanced than the common word for fear in each language. In religious or ceremonial contexts, tem or temer may express both fear and respect toward a sacred or authoritative object or being.

Etymology and scope. The word derives from Latin timor, and in Iberian Romance languages it has retained a close connection to both fear and reverence. Over time, temor has come to carry a broader meaning that includes cautiousness, awe, or piety, depending on the context.

Usage in Portuguese. In Portuguese, temor can indicate fear or anxiety about future events, such as temor de perder algo (fear of losing something) or temor de contrair uma doença (fear of contracting a disease). In religious language, "temor de Deus" translates to a form of reverence or awe toward God, combining respect with a moral or spiritual seriousness. The term tends to be more formal or literary than medo (the everyday word for fear).

Usage in Spanish. In Spanish, temor similarly ranges from fear to reverence. It appears in formal or literary contexts and in religious expressions like "temor de Dios." In ordinary speech many speakers prefer miedo to denote concrete fear in daily situations, while temer or temer de is more common in higher-register language.

Overall, temor is a versatile term whose exact nuance depends on context, balancing notions of fear, caution, and reverence across Portuguese and Spanish.