* Defining "word" is tricky: Do we count proper nouns, slang, technical terms, and archaic words?
* Different dictionaries have different criteria: They might include different types of words and prioritize different regions or time periods.
* Languages are constantly evolving: New words are coined, others become obsolete, and there's overlap between languages through borrowing and translation.
However, some factors suggest Portuguese might have a larger vocabulary:
* Rich history and culture: Portuguese has been spoken for centuries, with influences from Latin, Arabic, and other languages.
* Regional variations: Brazil alone boasts a vast array of regional dialects, each with its own unique vocabulary.
* Grammatical flexibility: Portuguese allows for more word combinations than English, potentially creating a larger pool of possible expressions.
Ultimately, it's not a clear-cut answer. Both English and Portuguese have extensive and dynamic vocabularies.