guerra

/ˈɡwɛr.ra/
nounBeginner
general

A state of armed conflict between nations, states, or other large groups, typically involving organized violence and large-scale destruction.

La Prima Guerra Mondiale è iniziata nel 1914.

World War I began in 1914.

La guerra fredda ha diviso il mondo in due blocchi.

The Cold War divided the world into two blocs.

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The term can also refer to any large-scale conflict, not necessarily between nations.

figurative

A struggle or conflict, often metaphorical, between opposing forces or ideas.

La guerra tra bene e male è eterna.

The war between good and evil is eternal.

Ha dichiarato guerra alla sua pigrizia.

He declared war on his laziness.

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In this sense, 'guerra' is often used to describe a determined effort against something.

Collocations

dichiarare guerrato declare warguerra freddacold warguerra mondialeworld war

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

guerra lampophrase
blitzkrieg
guerra civilephrase
civil war

💡Pro Tip

Historical Context

Italian has specific terms for historical wars, such as 'Guerra dei Trent'Anni' (Thirty Years' War) and 'Guerra di Secessione Americana' (American Civil War).

Gold Rule

Gender Agreement

Like all Italian nouns, 'guerra' is feminine, so adjectives and articles must agree in gender and number (e.g., 'la grande guerra').

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'guerra,' possibly derived from Germanic 'werra' (strife, quarrel).

📝Usage Notes

In Italian, 'guerra' can refer to both literal armed conflict and metaphorical struggles. The term is often used in historical, political, and military contexts.

Word Breakdown

guerra
war
root
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese