nounnounadjective
il sinistro
left
Indica ciò che si trova o si muove dal lato opposto al destro; può anche riferirsi a qualcosa di inquietante o che mette paura.
Definition & meaning
- Left: located on or relating to the left side. It is often used in formal, anatomical, or political contexts.
- Sinister or ominous: suggesting danger, evil, or something disturbing.
- Accident or disaster: as a masculine noun, un sinistro often means an accident or damaging event, especially in insurance contexts.
Grammar & Word origin
As an adjective, sinistro agrees with the noun: masculine sinistro, feminine sinistra, and plural sinistri or sinistre. As a noun, it is masculine: il sinistro, plural i sinistri.
It comes from Latin sinister, meaning “left” or “unfavorable.” The ominous sense reflects an old association between the left side and bad luck.
Synonyms & antonyms
- For “left,” mancino can describe someone who is left-handed, but it is not a general substitute for sinistro. The opposite is destro , “right.”
- For “ominous,” minaccioso emphasizes a threat, while inquietante emphasizes an unsettling effect. Reassicurante , “reassuring,” is an opposite in this sense.
- For “accident,” incidente is a broader everyday term; sinistro is particularly common in insurance and legal language.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Lui scrive con la mano sinistra.adjective
He writes with his left hand.
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