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desolato

desolate

adjective deh-zoh-LAH-toh Rare

Origin: From Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare (to forsake).

Also means

devastated

Usage Note

Desolato describes either a place that is barren and empty (un paesaggio desolato — a desolate landscape) or a person who is devastated and deeply sorry (sono desolato — I am terribly sorry/deeply apologetic). This second use — as a polite expression of regret — is important for learners: sono desolato, ma non posso venire (I am so sorry, but I cannot come).

Examples

"Il paesaggio invernale era completamente desolato."

Natural Translation

The winter landscape was completely desolate.

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