acolher

Senses

1. 1.

   to welcome, to receive

   to receive someone warmly or hospitably

2. 2.

   to shelter, to take in

   to provide refuge or protection to someone in need

3. 3.

   to accept, to embrace

   to accept an idea, proposal, or feeling willingly

4. 4.

   to harbor, to hold

   to contain or hold feelings, thoughts, or emotions within oneself

Examples

• "A família acolheu o estudante estrangeiro como se fosse um filho."

  The family welcomed the foreign student as if he were a son.

• "O abrigo acolhe pessoas em situação de rua durante o inverno."

  The shelter takes in homeless people during the winter.

• "Ela acolheu a ideia com entusiasmo."

  She embraced the idea with enthusiasm.

Usage

Common register, used in both formal and informal contexts. Frequently paired with "bem" (acolher bem = to welcome warmly). The noun form is "acolhimento" (welcome, reception). Often implies emotional warmth and care beyond simple physical reception.