Definition

Proper noun: 1. A historical region in northeastern Italy: Friuli is a geographical and historical area, once a powerful medieval state, located at the head of the Adriatic Sea, bordering Austria and Slovenia. 2. The Friulian language: Friuli refers to the Rhaeto-Romance language, also known as Friulian, traditionally spoken in the Friuli region.

Usage Examples

• As a geographical/historical region:
  • The architecture in Friuli shows both Italian and Austrian influences.
  • They traveled through Friuli on their way to Slovenia.
• Referring to the language:
  • He is conducting research on the phonology of Friuli.
  • Efforts are being made to preserve Friuli in schools.

Advanced Usage

• "Friuli-Venezia Giulia": This is the name of the modern autonomous Italian region of which historical Friuli is a part.
  • Trieste is the capital of the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Variants and Related Words

• Friulian (adjective/noun): Pertaining to the Friuli region or its people; also a synonym for the Friuli language.
  • Friulian culture is distinct within Italy.
  • She speaks Friulian at home.

Synonyms

• Friulian (when referring specifically to the language).

Notes on Meaning

The word "Friuli" primarily denotes a place. Its secondary meaning as a language (a Rhaeto-Romance dialect) derives from the name of the region where it is spoken. It is important to distinguish between the region and the language, though they share the same name.

Noun

1. a Rhaeto-Romance dialect spoken in northeastern Italy