accogliere
Lemma: accogliere
Translation: to welcome; to receive; to accept; to accommodate; to host; to embrace; to take in (verb)
Etymology: From Latin 'ad' (to, toward) + 'colligere' (to gather, collect). The same Latin root 'colligere' gave English 'collect' and 'college'. The semantic evolution shows how 'gathering toward oneself' became 'welcoming' or 'receiving' in Italian. The prefix 'ac-' is an assimilated form of 'ad-' before the consonant 'c'.
Example Usage
Ti accoglieremo a braccia aperte.
We will welcome you with open arms.
L'hotel può accogliere fino a duecento ospiti.
The hotel can accommodate up to two hundred guests.
Il pubblico ha accolto bene il nuovo film.
The public received the new film well.
La famiglia ha accolto un bambino in adozione.
The family took in a child for adoption.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a-COAL-iere' as gathering people around a warm coal fire, welcoming them in from the cold.
- The 'ac' prefix suggests movement toward (as in 'access'), so 'accogliere' is bringing someone toward you in welcome.
- Connect it with English 'collect' - you're collecting guests into your home or presence.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, 'accogliere' carries strong connotations of hospitality, which is highly valued. The concept extends beyond just physical reception to emotional warmth and openness. Italy has also been at the center of European migration discussions, so the term has gained additional political dimensions in contexts of refugee and migrant 'accoglienza' (reception).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'accogliere' means 'to welcome' or 'to receive', 'raccogliere' means 'to gather', 'to collect', or 'to pick up'. They share the same Latin root but have different meanings in modern Italian.
Notes: Both verbs are irregular and follow similar conjugation patterns, which can add to the confusion.
Mnemonic: 'Accogliere' has one 'c' before the 'o' and relates to welcoming one person; 'raccogliere' has double 'c' and relates to gathering multiple things.
Explanation: 'Accogliere' means 'to welcome' while 'cogliere' means 'to pick', 'to pluck', or 'to catch'. 'Accogliere' has the added prefix 'ac-' (from 'ad-') which changes the meaning.
Notes: 'Cogliere' is the base verb from which 'accogliere' is derived, with the addition of the prefix changing the meaning.
Mnemonic: Think of 'cogliere' as collecting individual items, while 'accogliere' is collecting people (welcoming them).