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Italian Language Spotlight10

Italian Preposition Su

Saturday January 28, 2012

The Italian preposition su (up, over, on) expresses the concept of being above (or on top of), as well as indicating mastery or influence. Some examples of prepositional phrases beginning with su include: Sulla cima dei monti c'è ancora neve; La tazza è sul tavolo; Pretende sempre di avere la meglio sugli altri..

Italian-Language Edition of HuffPro

Monday January 23, 2012

According to paidContent. org, the Huffington Post has announced plans to partner with L'Espresso "for the launch this year of an Italian edition."

Italian Preposition Con

Thursday January 19, 2012

The Italian preposition con (with, by) expresses the sense of participation or union, or to indicate a connection or link. Some examples of prepositional phrases beginning with con include: Con questo freddo si è preso il mal di gola; I miei genitori abitano con me; L'olio non si amalgama con l'acqua.

Champion of the Palatine Hill

Saturday January 14, 2012

If you're looking for a new Italian word to describe a "strong supporter of a cause" or "heroic champion," look no further than the Palatine Hill. According to Wordsmith.org, the English word "paladin" originates from the Italian paladino, "after Palatine, the name of the centermost of the seven hills on which ancient Rome was built...and where Roman emperors had their palaces built."

The Corriere della Sera Dizionario della Lingua Italiana has this entry for paladino:

paladino [pa-la-dì-no] s.m.
1 Cavaliere di alta nobiltà e valore che viveva alla corte di Carlo Magno e lo accompagnava in guerra, ampiamente rappresentato nella letteratura cavalleresca

2 fig. (f. -na) Difensore, protettore di qualcuno o di qualcosa: farsi protettore dei deboli, della libertà (secola XIII)

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