propaganda

noun proh-pah-GAHN-dah Rare

Origin: From Latin propaganda fide (things to be propagated in faith), used by a 17th-century Vatican congregation.

Usage Note

Propaganda is a false friend for English speakers: while it has the same negative sense ('biased political messaging'), it can also be used in Italian more neutrally to mean advertising or publicity (fare propaganda — to promote or campaign). Context determines whether it is pejorative. The plural le propagande is rare; the word is typically used in the singular.

Examples

"Il governo usava la propaganda per controllare l'opinione pubblica."

Natural Translation

The government used propaganda to control public opinion.

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