dovere

Word: dovere

Meaning:
The Italian word dovere means "to have to," "must," or "to owe." It is both a verb and a noun in Italian, with distinct meanings depending on usage.

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As a verb:

dovēre (pronounced [ˈdɔvvere]) is a modal verb expressing obligation, necessity, or duty. It is equivalent to the English "must," "to have to," or "ought to." Additionally, it can express probability or supposition depending on the context.

• Examples:
  • Devo studiare. — I have to study.
  • Dovresti chiamare tua madre. — You should call your mother.
  • Dov'è lui? — Where is he? (Context dependent: "He must be..." can be inferred.)

Additional usage:

dovere can also express the idea of owing something financially or morally.

• Ti devo dieci euro. — I owe you ten euros.

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As a noun:

dovere (masculine noun) means "duty" or "obligation," referring to a moral or legal responsibility.

• Example:
  • È un dovere aiutare chi ha bisogno. — It is a duty to help those in need.

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Parts:

• dovere as a verb is regular in some tenses and irregular in others.
• Verb forms incorporate the stem dov-

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Synonyms:

• For the verb (expressing obligation):

  • bisognare (to be necessary)
  • dover (+ infinitive, shortened form)

• For the noun (duty):

  • responsabilità — responsibility
  • impegno — commitment/engagement
  • obbligo — obligation

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Antonyms:

• For the verb (absence of obligation):

  • potere (can, to be able to) expressing permission or ability, sometimes opposite to obligation.

• For the noun (duty):

  • vacanza (lack of responsibility, free time; not a direct antonym but contextually the absence of duty)

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Summary:

• Dovere as a verb: to have to, must, to owe.
• Dovere as a noun: duty, responsibility, obligation.

It is a fundamental and frequently used word in Italian expressing obligation, necessity, or indebtedness.