There are two words in Portuguese that refer to the spotlight, one mainly being the physical manifestation of the object (though, not always) and the second having more to do with being in the spotlight. The two words are: holofote and destaque. Let’s look at an example of both.
Holofote
= spotlight, searchlight (think: the Bat signal)
Examples:
A porta atrás do pódio é iluminada pelo holofote.
= A spotlight illuminates the door behind the stage.
O etanol brasileiro saltou para o holofote global como solução energética eficiente e renovável.
= Brazilian ethanol has jumped into the global spotlight as an efficient and renewable energy solution.
Destaque
= spotlight, highlight, feature, main attraction
Examples:
O pintor francês está em destaque no Museu d’Orsay.
= The French painter is being featured at the Musée d’Orsay.
A festa foi excelente. O destaque da festa foi a música ao vivo.
= The party was great. The highlight of the party was the live music.
PS – If you want to speak of highlighting text, the verb is ressaltar, assinalar, or destacar (o texto, a frase).
Other Useful Portuguese Lessons:
Brazilian Portuguese: Idiomatic Portuguese to Express Flexibility
Learning Portuguese: Why It Is Important to Speak Idiomatically
Portuguese Lesson: Verb Ter, Present Tense & Pronunciation Tips
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