ira

wrath, anger

noun EE-rah Rare

Origin: From Latin ira (anger, wrath).

Usage Note

Ira is more literary and intense than rabbia (rage) or arrabbiatura (a bout of anger) — it evokes deep, often righteous wrath. Scattare d'ira means 'to flare up in anger.' The phrase l'ira di Dio (the wrath of God) illustrates its elevated register. In everyday speech, Italians more commonly say rabbia or arrabbiato.

Examples

"L'ira del capo era palpabile."

Natural Translation

The boss's wrath was palpable.

Free starter pack

Building your Italian vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Italian words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Essential Italian Travel Phrases (With Vorrei)

Vorrei means I would like — the politest, most useful Italian travel phrase. Learn five reusable frames to order, ask prices, and find your way in Italy.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Reflexive Verbs: Mi Chiamo, Mi Alzo & More

Italian reflexive verbs use mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si — learn the pronouns, conjugate chiamarsi and alzarsi, master your daily routine, and the modal-verb rule.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

C'è vs Ci Sono: There Is/Are in Italian

C'è for one thing, ci sono for many — that's the rule. Master Italian's there is/there are with c'era, ci sarà, è vs c'è, and non c'è nessuno.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Restaurant Etiquette: Mistakes to Avoid

Skip the cappuccino after dinner, never put parmesan on fish, and learn the exact Italian phrases to order gracefully and avoid looking like a tourist.

June 5, 2026 5 min read