della
Lemma: della
Translation: of the; from the (preposition)
Etymology: The word 'della' is a contraction of the preposition 'di' (of, from) and the feminine definite article 'la' (the). This type of contraction is common in Italian grammar, where prepositions combine with articles to form what are called 'preposizioni articolate' (articulated prepositions). The masculine equivalent would be 'dello' (di + lo) or 'del' (di + il).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'della' as 'of the lady' - it's used with feminine singular nouns, and 'la' in Italian often refers to feminine things.
- Remember that 'della' = 'di' + 'la' = 'of the' (feminine)
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
This is one of the most frequently used prepositions in Italian. Understanding articulated prepositions is essential for basic Italian grammar. They're used to indicate possession, origin, material, and many other relationships between nouns.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Della' (di + la) means 'of the' while 'dalle' (da + le) means 'from the' (feminine plural). They look similar but come from different prepositions.
Confused word:
Vengo dalle montagne
I come from the mountains
Notes: Both are articulated prepositions but express different relationships.
Mnemonic: 'Della' has one 'l' like 'di' (one letter), while 'dalle' has double 'l' like 'da' (two letters).
Explanation: 'Della' means 'of the' while 'nella' (in + la) means 'in the' (feminine singular).
This word:
Il nome della strada
The name of the street
Confused word:
Vivo nella città
I live in the city
Notes: Both are used with feminine singular nouns but indicate different spatial relationships.
Mnemonic: Think of 'nella' as 'in la' (in the) and 'della' as 'di la' (of the).