digiunare
Lemma: digiunare
Translation: to fast; to abstain from food; to go without eating (verb)
Etymology: From Latin 'ieiunare' (to fast), from 'ieiunus' (fasting, hungry, empty). The Italian prefix 'di-' was added to the Latin root. The English word 'jejune' (lacking substance) shares the same Latin origin, referring to emptiness or hunger. The medical term 'jejunum' (part of the small intestine) also derives from this root, as it was thought to be empty after death.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'di-' (away from) + 'giun-' (sounds like 'June') = 'digiunare' as 'staying away from food in June' (though fasting can happen any time).
- Connect it to English 'jejune' (lacking substance) – when you fast, your stomach lacks substance.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Fasting has significant religious importance in Italian culture, particularly in Catholicism. Many Italians observe fasting during Lent, especially on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The concept of 'digiuno' is also relevant in medical contexts for blood tests and certain medical procedures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Digiunare' is the verb (to fast), while 'digiuno' is the noun (fast) or adjective (fasting).
Notes: The noun 'digiuno' can also refer to the state of having an empty stomach, not just the practice of fasting.
Mnemonic: Verbs in Italian often end in '-are', '-ere', or '-ire', while 'digiuno' without these endings is the noun or adjective form.
Explanation: 'Digiunare' is the action of fasting, while 'digiunatore' is a person who fasts (a faster).
Confused word:
È un digiunatore esperto.
He is an experienced faster.
Notes: 'Digiunatore' is less commonly used than the verb 'digiunare'.
Mnemonic: '-tore' in Italian often indicates a person who performs an action, similar to '-er' in English.