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Is the word definir the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The differences between "definir" in Brazilian Portuguese and Continental Portuguese are purely phonetic (pronunciation). There are no differences in meaning, spelling, or grammar.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the pronunciation tends to be more "open." Vowels are articulated clearly, and unstressed vowels are usually pronounced fully.

In Continental Portuguese, the pronunciation is more "closed" or "subsonic." There is a heavy reduction of unstressed vowels, which can sometimes make them sound almost silent to non-native speakers. The rhythm is also more stress-timed, meaning the consonants carry more weight and the vowels shrink.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. "Precisamos definir o que é sucesso para nós." (We need to define what success is to us.)
  2. "Ainda não conseguimos definir a data da festa." (We haven't been able to decide the date for the party yet.)
  3. "O juiz vai definir quem foi o vencedor." (The referee will determine who the winner was.)
  4. "A empresa precisa definir uma nova estratégia de vendas." (The company needs to define a new sales strategy.)
  5. "O chefe vai definir as tarefas de cada um." (The boss will define everyone's tasks.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. "É necessário definir o significado desta palavra." (It is necessary to define the meaning of this word.)
  2. "Ainda não se conseguiu definir o dia do evento." (It hasn't been possible to set/decide the day of the event.)
  3. "O resultado será decidido no último minuto." (The result will be decided in the last minute.)
  4. "Temos de definir as novas regras." (We have to define the new rules.)
  5. "O diretor vai determinar as responsabilidades." (The director will determine the responsibilities.)