noun
favela
fuh-VEH-luh
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.
Word Forms
favelas plural, Favelas plural
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The documentary follows a family living in a _____ on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.
Etymology
Borrowed from Brazilian Portuguese favela.