inferno

hell

noun een-FER-noh Rare

Origin: From Latin infernum (the lower regions), from inferus (below).

Also means

inferno

Usage Note

Inferno is masculine and is best known internationally as the title of Dante's first canticle of the Divina Commedia. Beyond its theological meaning, it is used colloquially to describe any chaotic or unbearably hot situation: fa un caldo infernale (it's hellishly hot). The adjective derived from it is infernale. Learners should note it is not a false friend — it means the same as English 'inferno.'

Examples

"Dante descrive l'Inferno con immagini vivide."

Natural Translation

Dante describes Hell with vivid images.

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