la forbici
scissors
Definition & meaning
Forbice is a feminine Italian noun with two main meanings:
-
Scissors / a pair of scissors
It refers to a cutting tool made of two crossed blades joined at a central point. Although the singular forbice is grammatically possible, the plural forbici is very common when referring to the tool in general. -
Gap, disparity, or widening difference
In a figurative sense, forbice describes a difference between two values, groups, or trends, especially when the gap becomes larger.
Grammar & Word origin
Forbice is a feminine noun:
- singular: la forbice
- plural: le forbici
The plural forbici is normally used for the physical tool, particularly in the expression un paio di forbici. The word comes from the Latin forfex, meaning “scissors” or “shears.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Physical tool
- cesoia — shears or loppers; generally larger and heavier than ordinary scissors.
- forbici da taglio — cutting scissors; a more specific expression.
- cesoie — shears, often used for gardening, metal, or other heavy materials.
There is no exact antonym for forbice in this meaning. A tool used to join or fasten rather than cut could be described with words such as colla , “glue,” depending on the context.
Figurative meaning
- divario — a gap or disparity; this is a close synonym but is broader and does not specifically suggest two values moving apart.
- differenza — difference; more general and neutral.
- scarto — difference or discrepancy between two figures; often used for measurable values.
- distanza — distance or gap, sometimes used metaphorically.
Possible antonyms include:
- convergenza — convergence, the process of becoming more similar.
- uguaglianza — equality, when there is no disparity.
- parità — parity or equal standing.
Common phrases & collocations
- un paio di forbici — a pair of scissors
- tagliare con le forbici — to cut with scissors
- forbici da cucina — kitchen scissors
- forbici da parrucchiere — hairdressing scissors
- forbice tra i prezzi — price gap
- allargare la forbice — to widen the gap
- ridurre la forbice — to reduce the gap
- la forbice sociale — the social divide
- la forbice dei redditi — the income gap
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Examples
Cerco le forbici nel cassetto.noun
I look for the scissors in the drawer.
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