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universo
/u.niˈvɛr.so/
universe
L'universo è infinito e affascinante.
The universe is infinite and fascinating.
formal
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.
figurative
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
universo paralleloparallel universeorigine dell'universoorigin of the universeuniverso oscurodark universe
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.
Word Breakdown
uni-
one, whole
prefix-verso
turned, directed
suffixDizionario Italiano-Inglese