elettivo

elective, elected

adjective eh-let-TEE-voh Rare

Origin: From Latin electivus, from eligere, 'to choose'.

Usage Note

Elettivo describes something determined by election or choice — una carica elettiva ('an elective office'), affinità elettive ('elective affinities', the title of Goethe's novel in Italian). In medicine, intervento elettivo means an 'elective procedure' (non-urgent, planned). Not to be confused with eletto ('elected, chosen') which is the past participle of eleggere.

Examples

"Il sindaco ricopre una carica elettiva."

Natural Translation

The mayor holds an elective office.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Most Common Italian Verbs: The 10 That Unlock Speech

Drill these 10 most common Italian verbs first and you unlock past tense, modals, and the progressive — a 7-day plan with every present-tense form to memorize.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Hand Gestures: Meanings & When to Use

Italian hand gestures decoded: what the pinched fingers, cheek screw, and chin flick mean, which ones are safe to use, and the one gesture to never make.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

You're Welcome in Italian: 8 Ways Beyond Prego

You're welcome in Italian is more than prego: say figurati to friends, si figuri to strangers, di niente, non c'è di che, or grazie a te. Pick the right one.

June 9, 2026 6 min read