lire
Definition
- Noun
- Monetary unit: "lire" is the plural form of "lira," referring to the former standard monetary unit of Italy (before the adoption of the euro) and also of Turkey (before the introduction of the new Turkish lira). It is used to denote a unit of currency.
- Coin or banknote: "lire" can also refer to coins or banknotes denominated in this unit.
Usage Examples
- (A specific amount of Italian currency.)
- (A cost expressed in the former Italian currency.)
- (Physical coins of the Italian currency.)
Advanced Usage
- "lire" as a historical reference: Used to discuss economic history or nostalgia for pre-euro Italy.
- Many Italians still remember the value of a loaf of bread in lire. (A historical price comparison.)
- "Turkish lire": While "lira" is the standard singular, "lire" is sometimes used in English to refer to the Turkish currency in plural contexts.
- The cost of the hotel was 500 Turkish lire. (A plural reference to Turkish currency.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lira (n): The singular form of "lire," referring to one unit of the currency.
- The lira was the official currency of Italy until 2002. (A single unit.)
- Liras (n): An alternative plural form, less common but occasionally used in English.
- He had a few liras left in his pocket. (A few units of the currency.)
Synonyms
- Currency: a system of money in general use.
- Coinage: coins collectively, especially those of a particular country.
Idioms and Fixed Expressions
- "Not worth a lire": A phrase meaning something is worthless or of very little value.
- That old ticket is not worth a lire. (It has no monetary value.)
- "A lire of the realm": A poetic or historical expression meaning a small amount of money.
- He paid a lire of the realm for the trinket. (A small, symbolic payment.)
Related Words in Context
- Euro: The currency that replaced the Italian lira.
- After 2002, the euro replaced the lire in Italy. (The successor currency.)