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lieve

slight

adjective LYEH-veh Less Common
Descriptions & Qualities Degree

Origin: Latin levis, light, mild

Also means

mild

Usage Note

Lieve does not change for gender (un lieve dolore / una lieve differenza); only the plural lievi is distinct. It is more literary than leggero for 'light/mild' and is typically reserved for medical or formal contexts (lieve ferita = minor wound). A false friend: it does not mean 'live.'

Examples

"Sento un lieve dolore alla schiena."

Natural Translation

I feel a slight pain in my back.

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