How Do You Spell PORTUGAL?

Pronunciation: [pˈɔːt͡ʃəɡə͡l] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "Portugal" is /ˈpɔːtʃʊɡəl/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This word is spelled differently from how it sounds because of its origin. It comes from the Latin word "Portus Cale," which means "Port of Gaul," used to refer to a fortress city near the Douro River. Over time, this name was transformed to "Portugal," and the spelling has remained unchanged. It's important to learn the correct spelling of place names to avoid confusion and communicate effectively.

PORTUGAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by Spain to the east and north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Portugal is known as the westernmost country in Europe and is celebrated for its distinctive culture, historical significance, and natural beauty.

    Geographically, Portugal encompasses an area of approximately 92,090 square kilometers (35,560 square miles) and has a population of around 10.2 million people as of 2021. The capital and largest city of Portugal is Lisbon, situated on the country's western coast.

    Historically, Portugal has played a significant role in maritime exploration and trade, particularly during the Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. These voyages led by Portuguese sailors expanded European knowledge of the world and established an extensive overseas empire, including territories in Africa, Asia, and South America.

    Culturally, Portugal has a rich heritage, with influences from its Celtic and Roman past, as well as from the Moorish occupation and the Age of Discoveries. Portuguese is the official language, and the country is known for its architecture, literature, fado music, and delicious cuisine, including iconic dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts).

    Today, Portugal is a peaceful and developed nation, well-regarded for its high quality of life, social stability, and economic growth. It is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations, among other international organizations. With its captivating history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Portugal continues to attract tourists and visitors from around the world.

Top Common Misspellings for PORTUGAL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PORTUGAL

Etymology of PORTUGAL

The word "Portugal" is derived from the Latin term "Portus Cale". "Portus" means "port" in Latin, while "Cale" refers to an ancient Celtic tribe that inhabited the region. Over time, the name evolved, and "Portus Cale" became "Portukale" in medieval Galician-Portuguese, eventually transforming into "Portugal". The name "Portus Cale" likely originated from the coastal city of Portus Cale, present-day Porto, which served as an important Roman port.

Similar spelling words for PORTUGAL

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