sobressaírem

Sobressaírem is a verb form in Portuguese that corresponds to the present subjunctive of the verb sobressair, used for the third person plural (eles/elas). The base verb sobressair means to stand out, to be more conspicuous or prominent.

Uses and function: As a present-subjunctive form, sobressaírem appears in subordinate clauses introduced by que, indicating doubt, possibility, desire, or necessity. Examples include: É essencial que eles sobressaírem entre os concorrentes; É possível que eles sobressaírem no mercado. The form can also appear in the reflexive sense sobressaírem-se, meaning to stand out for themselves or to distinguish themselves.

Formation and variation: sobressaírem is formed from the stem sobressaí- plus the present-subjunctive ending -rem for the third person plural. This form is characteristic of verbs ending in -ir that take the subjunctive mood. As a verbal form, its pronunciation emphasizes the accented i: sobressaírem.

Contexts and notes: The use of sobressaírem is more common in formal, literary, or written Portuguese; in everyday speech, speakers may opt for other constructions or use the indicative when the context is more definite. It should not be confused with sobressair in other tenses, which have different endings.

See also: sobressair, standing out as a key meaning; sobressaírem-se as a related reflexive form.