italian

/i'tæljən/
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italian

An Italian chef prepares fresh pasta in a restaurant kitchen.

Definition
  1. Adjective:

    • Of or pertaining to Italy, its people, culture, or language: Describes something originating from or characteristic of Italy.
    • Characteristic of Italy or its people: Pertaining to the distinctive qualities associated with Italy.
  2. Noun:

    • The Romance language spoken in Italy: The official language of Italy, also spoken in parts of Switzerland, San Marino, and Vatican City.
    • A native or inhabitant of Italy: A person who comes from Italy.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:

    • She loves Italian art and architecture. (She loves the art and architecture characteristic of Italy.)
    • We are going to an Italian restaurant tonight. (We are going to a restaurant that serves food characteristic of Italy.)
  • Noun (Language):

    • He is learning Italian. (He is learning the language spoken in Italy.)
    • Can you speak Italian? (Can you speak the Romance language of Italy?)
  • Noun (Person):

    • She is an Italian. (She is a native or inhabitant of Italy.)
    • The Italians are known for their passion. (The people from Italy are known for their passion.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Italianate": Having an Italian style or character.

    • The garden had an Italianate design. (The garden had a design characteristic of Italy.)
  • "Italianism": An Italian custom, characteristic, or idiom.

    • The phrase is an Italianism borrowed into English. (The phrase is an idiom characteristic of the Italian language.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Italy (n): The European country.
  • Italianize (v): To make or become Italian in character.
    • The chef Italianized the menu. (The chef made the menu characteristic of Italy.)
Synonyms
  • Adjective: None that are exact. "From Italy" is a descriptive phrase.
  • Noun (Person): None that are exact. "A person from Italy" is a descriptive phrase.
  • Noun (Language): None.
Related Phrases
  • Italian bread: A type of bread characteristic of Italy.
  • Italian dressing: A salad dressing characteristic of Italian cuisine.
Related Idioms
  • "All roads lead to Rome": This proverb, while referencing ancient Rome in Italy, is an English idiom meaning there are many ways to reach the same goal. It is not a direct idiom using the word "Italian."
italian

An Italian chef prepares fresh pasta in a restaurant kitchen.

Adjective
  1. of or pertaining to or characteristic of Italy or its people or culture or language
    • Italian cooking
Noun
  1. the Romance language spoken in Italy
  2. a native or inhabitant of Italy