mato grosso do sul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Geographical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “mato grosso do sul” mean?
A state in the central-western region of Brazil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state in the central-western region of Brazil.
It refers to the geographical, political, and cultural entity of one of Brazil's states. The name itself, which translates to 'Southern Thick Bush,' is also used metonymically to refer to the government, people, or culture of the region.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differences align with general British/American patterns for foreign place names (see IPA).
Connotations
For English speakers, it primarily carries geographical/political connotations. It may evoke associations with the Pantanal wetlands, agriculture (soy/cattle), or Brazilian geography.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday English conversation. Its use is almost exclusively in geographical, political, travel, or economic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mato grosso do sul” in a Sentence
[verb of location/being] + *in* + Mato Grosso do Sul[verb of motion] + *to* + Mato Grosso do Sul[verb of origin] + *from* + Mato Grosso do Sul[noun] + *of* + Mato Grosso do SulVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mato grosso do sul” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mato-Grossense-do-Sul cuisine is influenced by neighbouring countries.
- She studied Mato Grosso do Sul history.
American English
- The Mato Grosso do Sul agricultural sector is booming.
- He is a Mato Grosso do Sul native.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to investment opportunities, agricultural exports (soy, beef), or logistical hubs in the state.
Academic
Used in geography, environmental studies (re: the Pantanal), political science, or Latin American studies.
Everyday
Used in travel discussions or when talking about Brazilian geography/culture.
Technical
Used in precise geographical coordinates, political demarcations, or ecological studies of the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mato grosso do sul”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mato grosso do sul”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mato grosso do sul”
- Adding 'the' before the name (e.g., 'the Mato Grosso do Sul').
- Misspelling as 'Mato Grosso du Sol' or 'Matto Grosso do Sul'.
- Confusing it with 'Mato Grosso' (the state to its north).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It translates literally to 'Southern Thick Bush' or 'Southern Dense Forest,' referring to its heavily wooded landscape.
In British English: /ˌmæt.əʊ ˌɡrɒs.əʊ də ˈsʊl/. In American English: /ˌmæɾ.oʊ ˌɡroʊ.soʊ doʊ ˈsuːl/. The 'r' in 'Grosso' is pronounced as a guttural /ʁ/ in Portuguese.
No. They are two separate Brazilian states. Mato Grosso is to the north, and Mato Grosso do Sul ('Southern Mato Grosso') is to the south. They were a single territory until 1979.
It is famous for containing a large portion of the Pantanal wetlands, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wildlife. It is also a major producer of grains and beef.
A state in the central-western region of Brazil.
Mato grosso do sul is usually formal, geographical, academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MAT of GROSS (thick) grass in the SOUth. 'Mato Grosso do Sul' = 'Thick Bush of the South.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LAND IS A CONTAINER (e.g., '*in* Mato Grosso do Sul'), PLACE IS AN ENTITY (e.g., 'Mato Grosso do Sul *exports* soy').
Practice
Quiz
What is the capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul?