Antiquado vs. ultrapassado vs. fora de moda
The Portuguese words antiquado, ultrapassado, and fora de moda all convey the idea of something being outdated or old-fashioned, but they have subtle differences in meaning and usage that depend on context.
Antiquado
B1Antiquado refers to something that is old-fashioned or antiquated, often implying age or lack of modernity. It can describe objects, ideas, or behaviors that are no longer suitable for current times but aren't necessarily disparaged.
Esse método de ensino está muito antiquado.
(This teaching method is very antiquated.)
Ele ainda usa um celular antiquado, que nem tem acesso à internet.
(He still uses an old-fashioned phone that doesn’t even have internet access.)
Certas normas sociais parecem antiquadas hoje em dia.
(Certain social norms seem outdated nowadays.)
Ultrapassado
B2Ultrapassado describes something that has been surpassed by newer alternatives or that no longer meets modern standards. It often carries a stronger negative connotation, implying obsolescence or irrelevance.
Esse software está ultrapassado e não funciona mais nos sistemas atuais.
(This software is outdated and no longer works on current systems.)
As ideias dele são completamente ultrapassadas no mundo empresarial.
(His ideas are completely outdated in the business world.)
Eles abandonaram o projeto porque a tecnologia usada ficou ultrapassada.
(They abandoned the project because the technology used became outdated.)
Fora de moda
A2Fora de moda specifically refers to fashion or trends. It is used to describe clothing, styles, or customs that are no longer popular or in vogue.
Essas calças largas estão fora de moda.
(These baggy pants are out of fashion.)
Embora fora de moda, ele ainda gosta de usar boinas.
(Although out of fashion, he still likes to wear berets.)
Dizem que a decoração da casa está fora de moda, mas eu gosto dela assim.
(They say the house’s decor is out of fashion, but I like it like that.)
Summary
In summary, antiquado refers to something old-fashioned that may be outdated but not necessarily irrelevant; ultrapassado has a stronger negative connotation of obsolescence, often implying the existence of better alternatives; and fora de moda specifically relates to trends, especially in fashion, that are no longer popular.