oceano
Lemma: oceano
Translation: ocean (noun)
Etymology: From Latin 'oceanus', from Ancient Greek 'ōkeanós'. Cognate with English 'ocean'
Mnemonics
- Similar to English 'ocean' with just a slight spelling change
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Italy is a peninsula surrounded by seas rather than oceans, so 'mare' is more commonly used in everyday speech
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'oceano' refers specifically to one of Earth's major bodies of water, 'mare' is used for smaller seas and general references to the sea
This word:
L'Oceano Pacifico è il più grande del mondo
The Pacific Ocean is the largest in the world
Notes: In everyday Italian, 'mare' is much more commonly used unless specifically referring to one of the world's oceans
Mnemonic: 'Oceano' is bigger than 'mare' - just like in English 'ocean' vs 'sea'