compiere
Lemma: compiere
Translation: to complete; to accomplish; to fulfill; to carry out; to perform (verb)
Etymology: From Latin 'complere' meaning 'to fill up completely' or 'to finish', formed from 'com-' (completely) and 'plere' (to fill). It shares the same Latin root as English words like 'complete', 'complement', and 'accomplish'. The semantic evolution from 'filling' to 'completing' or 'accomplishing' shows how the concept of fullness relates to completion in both languages.
Example Usage
Ha compiuto un gesto eroico.
He performed a heroic act.
Domani compirò trent'anni.
Tomorrow I'll turn thirty.
Dobbiamo compiere il nostro dovere.
We must fulfill our duty.
Ha compiuto gli studi in medicina.
He completed his studies in medicine.
Si è compiuto il suo destino.
His destiny has been fulfilled.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'complete' in English - 'compiere' means to complete or accomplish something.
- The 'com' prefix suggests completeness, as in 'comprehensive' or 'complete'.
- Picture a pie (sounds like 'pi' in 'compiere') that's completely filled - you've 'completed' it.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, 'compiere' is often used in formal contexts such as accomplishing goals, fulfilling duties, or marking significant life events like birthdays ('compiere gli anni'). It carries a sense of completion and achievement that makes it common in both everyday and formal language.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both verbs relate to completion, 'compiere' often implies fulfilling a duty, accomplishing a task, or reaching a milestone, whereas 'completare' more specifically means to finish something that was started or to make something whole.
Confused word:
Ho completato il puzzle.
I completed the puzzle.
Notes: 'Compiere' often has a more ceremonial or significant connotation, while 'completare' is more practical and concrete.
Mnemonic: 'Compiere' is about accomplishment (think 'complete a mission'), while 'completare' is about finishing something (think 'complete a task').
Explanation: Though they look and sound similar, 'compiere' means 'to complete/accomplish' while 'comprare' means 'to buy/purchase'.
Confused word:
Ho comprato un nuovo libro.
I bought a new book.
Notes: The 'pi' in 'compiere' can help you remember it's about completing, while the 'pr' in 'comprare' can remind you of 'price' or 'purchase'.
Mnemonic: For 'comprare', think of commerce (buying); for 'compiere', think of completion.