completo
Lemma: completo
Translation: complete; full; comprehensive; entire; total; finished (adjective)
Etymology: From Latin 'completus', past participle of 'complere' meaning 'to fill up, complete', from 'com-' (intensive prefix) + 'plere' (to fill). The English word 'complete' shares the same Latin root, making them true cognates. The root 'ple-' is also found in English words like 'plenty', 'replete', and 'complement'.
Example Usage
Ho bisogno di un rapporto completo.
I need a complete report.
Il ristorante è al completo stasera.
The restaurant is fully booked tonight.
Ha comprato un completo nuovo per il matrimonio.
He bought a new suit for the wedding.
La collezione è completa.
The collection is complete.
Un pasto completo include antipasto, primo, secondo e dolce.
A complete meal includes appetizer, first course, second course, and dessert.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'complete' in English - they look and sound very similar.
- Remember 'com-pleto' as something that is 'filled completely'.
- Picture a 'complete set' that has all its pieces.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian, 'completo' is also commonly used to refer to a suit (as in 'un completo da uomo' - a men's suit) and to indicate when something is fully booked or at capacity ('l'albergo è al completo' - the hotel is fully booked).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Completo' is an adjective meaning 'complete' or 'full', while 'completato' is the past participle of the verb 'completare' (to complete).
This word:
Il lavoro è completo.
The work is complete.
Confused word:
Ho completato il lavoro.
I have completed the work.
Notes: 'Completo' describes a state of being complete, while 'completato' refers to the action of having completed something.
Mnemonic: 'Completo' ends with 'o' like many Italian adjectives, while 'completato' has the '-ato' ending typical of past participles.
Explanation: 'Completo' means 'complete' or 'full', while 'complesso' means 'complex' or 'complicated'.
This word:
Abbiamo un quadro completo della situazione.
We have a complete picture of the situation.
Notes: Both words come from Latin but have different meanings in modern Italian.
Mnemonic: Think of 'complesso' as related to 'complex' in English, while 'completo' relates to 'complete'.