exigência

Exigência is a noun in the Portuguese language that refers to the act of demanding something as well as to the thing that is demanded. It can denote a requirement or condition that must be met, a claim or insistence issued by someone in a position of authority, or a formal obligation linked to procedures, approvals, or access.

Etymology and form: the word derives from the verb exigir (to demand), through the noun exigência. It ultimately goes back to Latin exigentia, from exigere, meaning to demand or fetch. The pronunciation places the stress on the syllable gên, and the spelling includes the diacritic ê in the inflected form exigência.

Usage and context: in administrative and legal contexts, exigência often designates a required documentation, a compliance standard, or a condition imposed by rules or contracts (exigência documental, exigências legais). In the job market, the expression “exigências da vaga” lists the qualifications expected of applicants. In education or regulatory settings, it may refer to formal obligations such as attendance, performance, or safety standards.

Nuances and synonyms: exigência emphasizes the act of demanding or the obligation imposed by authority, whereas nearby terms like requisito (requirement) or demanda (demand) may carry slightly different connotations depending on specificity or formality. Exigência tends to highlight binding or mandatory conditions, while requisito is often used for formal criteria or prerequisites.

See also: exigir; requisito; demanda; exigent.