esforço

Esforço is a Portuguese noun that denotes the exertion of physical or mental energy aimed at achieving a goal. It can refer to the amount of work, strength, or perseverance applied to a task, as well as the act of trying hard. In everyday language, a person who makes an effort is someone who dedicates time, energy, and resources to obtain a result, often emphasizing determination rather than luck.

The word comes from the verb esforçar-se, which is related to forçar (to force) and expresses striving or exertion.

Esforço is used in various contexts: um esforço físico (physical effort) in sports or manual labor; um esforço mental (mental effort) in study or problem solving; and um esforço contínuo (continuous effort) in projects, campaigns, or organizational work. Common expressions include fazer um esforço (to make an effort) and valorizar o esforço (to value the effort). In education and employment, the concept is linked to diligence, perseverance, and progress; in public policy or management, it may refer to the intensity of working activities or resource allocation.

Related terms include empenho, diligência and labuta; antonyms include displicência or desinteresse. Esforço is a general, widely used notion across Portuguese-speaking countries, with similar core meaning though some regional preferences in usage can occur.