universo
/u.niˈvɛr.so/All existing matter, space, and time considered as a whole; the cosmos.
Gli scienziati studiano l'origine dell'universo.
Scientists study the origin of the universe.
Often used in scientific, philosophical, or literary contexts.
A particular sphere of activity or experience.
Il mondo della musica è il suo universo.
The world of music is his universe.
Used metaphorically to describe a person's domain or passion.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Gender Agreement
Remember that 'universo' is a masculine noun in Italian. Use 'il' (the) or 'un' (a) as articles: 'il universo' → 'l'universo' (elision), 'un universo'.
⚡Gold Rule
Contextual Meaning
In scientific contexts, 'universo' refers to the cosmos. In everyday language, it can mean 'world' or 'domain' (e.g., 'il suo universo musicale' = 'his musical world').
📖Word Origin
From Latin *universum* ('everything, all the world'), neuter of *universus* ('all together, whole'), from *uni-* ('one') + *versus* ('turned'), from *vertere* ('to turn').
📝Usage Notes
The word 'universo' is masculine in Italian and takes masculine articles (il, un, lo). It is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts.