anatema
/a.naˈtɛ.ma/
The English word 'anathema' is translated into Italian as anatema.
The term anatema is a noun used to describe something that is vehemently disliked.
Meaning: something vehemently disliked (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /a.naˈtɛ.ma/.
Did you know?
- The word anatema shares a root with the Greek word for 'offering'. Originally, it referred to a gift dedicated to a god, but later shifted to mean something dedicated to evil or destruction.
- In certain historical Italian theological contexts, to be described as anatema was not just a metaphor for dislike, but a literal legal and spiritual sentence that stripped a person of all social rights.
- Because of its intense religious connotations, you will almost never hear a modern Italian speaker use anatema in a casual conversation about things they simply find annoying.
Examples in context
- Nessuna frase su Tatoeba contiene la parola "anatema".No sentence on Tatoeba contains the word "anathema".This sentence is useful to note the absence of the word anatema in the Tatoeba database.Tatoeba #4841849 by Guybrush88, translation #1368315 by Spamster
- L'idea di chiudere le frontiere è un anatema per la cooperazione internazionale.The idea of closing borders is an anathema to international cooperation.
- La musica che ascolti è un abominio!The music you listen to is an abomination!
- La corruzione è un anatema per la società italiana.Corruption is an anathema to Italian society.
- Per molti artisti, il conformismo è un anatema.For many artists, conformity is an anathema.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are discussing their preferences for interior design.
- MatteoChiara, cosa ne pensi di questo divano rosso?Chiara, what do you think of this red sofa?
- ChiaraIl rosso in salotto è un anatema per me!Red in the living room is anathema to me!
- MatteoDavvero? Io invece lo trovo molto moderno.Really? I find it very modern instead.
- ChiaraPreferisco colori più neutri, Matteo.I prefer more neutral colors, Matteo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anatema, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anatema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
