desse

Desse is a Portuguese word formed by the contraction de + esse, functioning as a preposition combined with a demonstrative or as part of fixed phrases. It signals a relationship of possession, origin, or association with the thing referenced, typically related to the listener or to something already in discourse.

Grammatically, desse is masculine singular. Its corresponding forms are dessa (feminine singular), desses (masculine plural), and dessas (feminine plural). Dessa, desses, and dessas are used similarly to indicate “of this/that” with feminine or plural nouns. Desse is commonly placed before nouns to express possession or source, as in desejo: “preço desse carro” (the price of that car) or “desse livro” (from this/that book). It also appears in fixed expressions such as “desse modo” or “desse jeito,” meaning “in this way” or “thus/in that manner.”

Usage notes and nuance: desse emphasizes a relation tied to a thing previously mentioned or understood in the conversation, often aligning with what is closer to the listener or already part of the discourse. It contrasts with deste, which typically refers to something closer to the speaker. The choice among desse, dessa, desses, and dessas is determined by the gender and number of the noun it accompanies.

Examples:

- Desse livro aprendi muito.

- Desse modo, podemos concluir a análise.

- Esses exemplos também aparecem com dessas formas quando o referente é plural.