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isolamento
/i.zo.laˈmen.to/
isolation
L'isolamento sociale può avere effetti negativi sulla salute mentale.
Social isolation can have negative effects on mental health.
neutral
The state of being separated from others; solitude or seclusion.
Dopo la pandemia, molti hanno sofferto per l'isolamento forzato.
After the pandemic, many suffered from forced isolation.
Can refer to physical separation or emotional detachment.
Medicine
technical
In medicine, the separation of a patient to prevent the spread of disease.
Il paziente è stato messo in isolamento per evitare il contagio.
The patient was placed in isolation to prevent contagion.
Commonly used during outbreaks like COVID-19.
Engineering
technical
In engineering, the act of preventing heat, sound, or electricity from passing through.
L'isolamento termico della casa riduce i costi energetici.
Thermal insulation of the house reduces energy costs.
Often refers to materials like foam or fiberglass.
Collocations
isolamento socialesocial isolationisolamento forzatoforced isolationisolamento termicothermal insulation
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid false friends
Don't confuse 'isolamento' with 'isolazionismo' (isolationism), which refers to a political doctrine.
Gold Rule
Use 'isolamento' for neutral contexts
For emotional contexts, prefer 'solitudine' if the separation is voluntary or desired.
Word Origin
From Latin *insulāre* (to insulate, isolate), derived from *insula* (island). The figurative sense of 'separation' emerged in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
In Italian, 'isolamento' can describe both voluntary solitude (e.g., 'un periodo di isolamento per riflettere') and imposed separation (e.g., 'isolamento carcerario'). Context determines the nuance.
Word Breakdown
iso-
prefix meaning 'separate' or 'apart'
prefix-lamento
from Latin *-lāre* (to make, do)
suffixDizionario Italiano-Inglese