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sprofondare

to sink

verb sproh-fon-DAH-reh Rare

Origin: From s- (intensive prefix) + profondo (deep) + -are.

Also means

to collapse

Usage Note

Sprofondare takes essere as its auxiliary when used intransitively (sono sprofondato nel divano — 'I sank into the sofa'). It vividly describes sinking into soft material, collapsing into a seat, or figuratively into despair (sprofondare nella disperazione). The past participle is sprofondato.

Examples

"Mi sono sprofondato nel divano dopo una lunga giornata."

Natural Translation

I sank into the sofa after a long day.

Literal Translation

Myself I-sank into-the sofa after a long day.

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