This is the 9th most frequent Portuguese word.
é
"É" means "is" (third person singular of the verb "ser").
The word 'é' is the third person singular present tense form of the verb 'ser', meaning 'to be', used here to express a characteristic of Maria.
Maria é uma professora dedicada.
Maria is a dedicated teacher.
In this sentence, 'é' similarly functions as 'to be', describing a permanent quality or characteristic of the fruit.
A fruta é doce.
The fruit is sweet.
The word 'é' is used again as the third person singular present tense form of 'ser', but here it indicates a state or date-related fact about today.