Langimage
English

favela

|fa-ve-la|

B2

/fəˈvɛlə/

Brazilian slum

Etymology
Etymology Information

'favela' originates from Portuguese, specifically the word 'favela', which referred to a type of plant that grew in the hills where these communities were first established.

Historical Evolution

'Favela' was adopted into English directly from Portuguese, maintaining its original form and meaning.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to the plant 'favela', but over time it evolved to describe the communities that grew in those areas.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a slum or shantytown located within or on the outskirts of Brazil's large cities.

The favela was bustling with activity despite the challenges its residents faced.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45