noun
favela
fuh-VEH-luh
Favela (noun) means a densely populated, informal urban settlement, especially in Brazil, often lacking full access to public services. Example: “The documentary follows a family living in a favela on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.”
noun
1
A densely populated, informal urban settlement, especially in Brazil, often lacking full access to public services.
"The documentary follows a family living in a favela on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro."
How to use favela
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Brazilian term for a poor, densely built urban neighbourhood, roughly similar to a slum or shantytown.
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Word forms
- Plural
- favelas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The documentary follows a family living in a _____ on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.
Etymology
Borrowed from Brazilian Portuguese favela.
Rhymes for favela
See all rhymes for favela →Frequently asked questions
What does “favela” mean?
The word “favela” means a densely populated, informal urban settlement, especially in Brazil, often lacking full access to public services. In plain terms, a Brazilian term for a poor, densely built urban neighbourhood, roughly similar to a slum or shantytown.
How do you pronounce “favela”?
“Favela” is pronounced fuh-VEH-luh (/fəˈvɛlə/ in IPA).
How do you use “favela” in a sentence?
Here is “favela” used in a sentence: “The documentary follows a family living in a favela on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.”
What part of speech is “favela”?
“Favela” is a noun.
Where does the word “favela” come from?
The word “favela” comes from Portuguese. Borrowed from Brazilian Portuguese favela.
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