temuto
/teˈmu.to/masculine
The English word "dreaded" translates to the Italian adjective temuto.
temuto is used to describe something that is dreaded, often implying that the subject has a reputation for causing fear or dread.
Meaning: Causing fear, dread or terror (adj)
Which one should you use?
While temuto describes something that is dreaded (often based on its reputation), the word terrificante is used for something that is actively causing terror or is "terrifying" in the moment.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a past participle used as an adjective, temuto must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use temuta for feminine singular nouns, temuti for masculine plural nouns and temute for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /teˈmu.to/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While temuto focuses on fear, Italians use the word spaventoso to mean both 'frightening' and, colloquially, 'huge' or 'staggering' in size.
- The root of temuto is shared with the Latin word timidus, which is the direct ancestor of the English word 'timid'.
- In Italian, the word terrore can describe both a feeling of dread and a person who is a 'terror' or a handful, such as a mischievous child.
Examples in context
- Il prossimo esame causa timore a tutti gli studenti.The upcoming exam is dreaded by all the students.
- Ho appena visto un film orribile!I just saw a dreadful movie!
- Il temuto esame di matematica è arrivato.The dreaded math exam has arrived.
- Il temuto nemico è apparso all'orizzonte.The dreaded enemy appeared on the horizon.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are talking about a difficult mountain trail.
- MatteoHai paura del temuto sentiero di montagna?Are you afraid of the dreaded mountain trail?
- ChiaraSì, Matteo, mi terrorizza molto.Yes, Matteo, it terrifies me a lot.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, ti aiuterò io.Don't worry, I will help you.
- ChiaraGrazie, sei molto gentile.Thank you, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dreaded” translations and entries temuto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
