provare per credere
Lemma: provare per credere
Translation: try it to believe it; seeing is believing; you have to try it to believe it (phrase)
Etymology: This Italian phrase combines 'provare' (to try, to test) and 'credere' (to believe), connected by the preposition 'per' (for, in order to). It reflects the empirical concept that personal experience is more convincing than secondhand information, similar to the English expression 'seeing is believing' or the scientific method principle of testing hypotheses through experimentation.
Example Usage
Questo gelato è il migliore della città, provare per credere!
This ice cream is the best in the city, try it to believe it!
Il metodo funziona davvero, provare per credere.
The method really works, seeing is believing.
Non ti sto esagerando le sue qualità, provare per credere!
I'm not exaggerating its qualities, you have to try it to believe it!
Mnemonics
- Think of 'prove' in English (similar to 'provare') - you need proof to believe something.
- Remember that 'credere' shares the same Latin root as 'credible' in English - both relate to belief.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Italian advertising and everyday conversation to encourage people to try products or experiences. It reflects the practical, experience-based approach to life that is valued in Italian culture. You'll often hear it used by vendors at markets, in commercials, or when someone is recommending something they're enthusiastic about.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'provare per credere' emphasizes active testing or trying something, 'vedere per credere' focuses more on visual confirmation. The first suggests participation, while the second suggests observation.
Confused word:
È una vista mozzafiato, vedere per credere!
It's a breathtaking view, seeing is believing!
Notes: Both expressions convey skepticism that can only be overcome through personal experience, but 'provare per credere' implies more active engagement.
Mnemonic: 'Provare' involves action (trying), while 'vedere' involves only looking.