acolhe

Acolhe is a Portuguese verb meaning to welcome, receive, or host someone or a group. It is used to describe acts of hospitality, shelter, or inclusion in private homes, community settings, and institutions. The form acolhe appears as the third-person singular present indicative of acolher, as in Ele acolhe os convidados. The related noun acolhimento denotes the act or process of welcoming and accommodating others.

Usage and nuance: In social policy and nonprofit language, acolher is common in phrases such as acolher imigrantes, acolher refugiados, or acolher membros de uma comunidade. It emphasizes active reception and ongoing support rather than mere entry. The term is widely understood in Portuguese-speaking countries, with regional variations in register and formality.

Related terms: Related verbs include receber (to receive) and hospedar (to host). The noun acolhimento refers to welcoming as an attitude or practice, while acolhedor describes something or someone that is welcoming.