italian
/i'tæljən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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."
Adjective
- of or pertaining to or characteristic of Italy or its people or culture or language
- Italian cooking
Noun
- the Romance language spoken in Italy
- a native or inhabitant of Italy