corresponder

Corresponder is a verb in Portuguese that has two major senses. The first is to be in conformity or alignment with something, such as a standard, expectation, or description. The second is to exchange letters or messages with someone, i.e., to maintain correspondence.

In the sense of agreement or match, correponder is used with the preposition a or com, depending on the construction. Examples include correponder às expectativas (to correspond to/meet expectations) and correponder às normas (to conform to the rules). In the sense of communication, it is common to say that people correspond, or that they exchange correspondence, often phrased as trocar correspondência com alguém or manter correspondência com alguém.

Usage notes and regional variation: the first sense is more common in formal writing, while the second sense is widely used in everyday language when referring to mail or digital messaging. The verb is typically transitive and can be conjugated regularly.

Etymology and cognates: correponder descends from Latin roots through Romance languages, sharing a cognate with the English verb correspond. This shared lineage underlines the parallel meanings of matching and communicating across languages.

In English, the equivalent verb correspond covers similar ideas: to be in agreement or to match, and to communicate by letters or messages. In both languages, the concept of correspondence links the ideas of alignment and exchange.

See also: correspondence, correspondence with, corresponding.