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

Yes

The word "deter" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is a formal verb meaning to hold, possess, or contain. The only difference is phonetic: in Continental Portuguese, the unstressed "e" is often heavily reduced (becoming a nearly silent schwa), whereas in most Brazilian dialects, the vowel is more clearly articulated. Additionally, the pronunciation of the final "r" varies in intensity and articulation depending on the specific regional accent.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. A polícia conseguiu deter o suspeito. (The police managed to detain the suspect.)
  2. O réu detém o direito ao silênly. (The defendant holds the right to silence.)
  3. A empresa detém a patente exclusiva. (The company holds the exclusive patent.)
  4. Ele detém o controle da situação. (He holds control of the situation.)
  5. A nação detém o poder de decisão. (The nation holds the power of decision.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. A polícia conseguiu deter o suspeito. (The police managed to detain the suspect.)
  2. O réu tem o direito ao silêncio. (The defendant has the right to silence.)
  3. A empresa tem a patente exclusiva. (The company has the exclusive patent.)
  4. Ele tem o controlo da situação. (He has control of the situation.)
  5. A nação tem o poder de decisão. (The nation has the power of decision.)