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sforzare

to force

verb sfor-TSAH-reh Rare
Body & Health Movement

Also means

to strain

Usage Note

Sforzare means to apply force or compel; the reflexive sforzarsi means 'to make an effort' or 'to try hard' and is the more common everyday form. It takes avere (or essere in the reflexive). Do not confuse with forzare, which is near-synonymous but slightly more physical (e.g. forcing a lock).

Examples

"Si è sforzato di capire la lezione."

Natural Translation

He made an effort to understand the lesson.

Literal Translation

Himself is strove to understand the lesson.

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