embaçada

Embaçada is a Portuguese adjective used to describe something that has become obscure, blurred, or hazy. It is the feminine form of embaçado and is commonly applied to surfaces, vision, or atmospheres that are not clear due to condensation, moisture, mist, or smoke, as well as to abstract states that are unclear or confused.

In physical terms, embaçada denotes a surface or view that lacks sharpness. Examples include a windshield or mirror that fogs up, a window fogged by breath, or a landscape obscured by haze. In meteorology and everyday speech, it can refer to skies or horizons rendered unclear by mist, smoke, or dust, reducing visibility.

Figuratively, embaçada can describe situations, memories, or judgments that are not transparent or easily understood. A plot with an embaçada motivation, or a decision made under embaçada premises, conveys ambiguity or lack of clarity. The term is frequently used in literature, journalism, and everyday conversation to convey partial or obscured understanding rather than complete transparency.

Distribution and usage vary slightly between varieties of Portuguese, but the core sense remains consistent across dialects: something that is not clear, whether physically or metaphorically. Related nouns include embaçamento (the act or result of making something blurry) and embaçado as the descriptive form; the verb embaçar refers to the action of creating the blur or haze.

See also: embaçar, embaçamento, névoa, neblina, obscuridade.