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efferato

heinous

adjective ef-feh-RAH-toh Rare

Origin: Latin efferatus, from efferare 'to make savage'

Also means

brutal

Usage Note

Efferato is used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase un delitto efferato ('a heinous crime') in journalism and legal language. It is a formal, high-register word with no casual usage. Plural efferati/efferatissimo exists but is uncommon. The related noun is efferatezza (brutality, savagery).

Examples

"È stato commesso un delitto efferato in città."

Natural Translation

A heinous crime was committed in the city.

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