altrui
Lemma: altrui
Translation: of others; someone else's; other people's; belonging to others (pronoun)
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'alterius' (genitive of 'alter', meaning 'other'). It evolved through Vulgar Latin into Old Italian as an invariable possessive pronoun. The Latin 'alter' is also the root of English words like 'alteration', 'alternate', and 'alternative', all conveying the sense of 'otherness' or 'difference'.
Example Usage
Non prendere le cose altrui senza permesso.
Don't take other people's things without permission.
Rispettare la proprietà altrui è importante.
Respecting others' property is important.
Non immischiarti negli affari altrui.
Don't meddle in other people's business.
Ha sempre vissuto a spese altrui.
He has always lived at others' expense.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'alter' (as in 'alternative') + 'ui' to remember it means 'of others'
- Associate with 'altruism' - caring about others rather than oneself
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, 'altrui' is often used in contexts related to respect for others' property and privacy. It appears frequently in legal and formal contexts when discussing others' rights or possessions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Altrui' is a possessive pronoun meaning 'of others' or 'belonging to others', while 'altri' is a plural pronoun meaning 'others' or 'other people'.
Confused word:
Altri hanno già provato a risolvere questo problema.
Others have already tried to solve this problem.
Notes: 'Altrui' is invariable (doesn't change form), while 'altri' can have different forms (altro, altra, altre).
Mnemonic: 'Altrui' ends with 'ui' like 'lui' (him) - think of something belonging to him/others; 'altri' is simply 'other people'.
Explanation: 'Altrui' means 'of others' while 'altruismo' is the noun meaning 'altruism' - the quality of being unselfish and concerned for others' welfare.
Confused word:
Il suo altruismo è ammirevole.
His altruism is admirable.
Notes: Both words share the same Latin root 'alter' (other).
Mnemonic: 'Altrui' is about what belongs to others; 'altruismo' is about caring for others.