molto meglio
/ˈmol.to ˈmɛʎ.ʎo/word by word
The English phrase "much better" is translated into Italian as molto meglio.
molto meglio is used to describe something that is of a significantly higher quality or in a more improved state.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of molto (much/very) and meglio (better).
Which one should you use?
Use molto meglio to describe an improvement in state or quality, whereas molto buono (very good) describes a static quality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word molto in this phrase is an adverb and does not change its ending to match the gender or number of the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmol.to ˈmɛʎ.ʎo/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say molto buono when they mean "much better". meglio is the comparative form required for comparisons.
Did you know?
- The word molto is derived from the Latin word multus, which traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'crumbled' or 'crumpled'.
- While meglio means 'better', it is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'meliorate', which means to make something better.
- Italians frequently use the phrase molto meglio così specifically to signal that a tense or stressful situation has been resolved satisfactorily.
Examples in context
- Tom sta molto meglio.Tom is doing much better.This sentence is useful for using molto meglio to describe how someone is doing.Tatoeba #4868636 by Guybrush88, translation #3023670 by CK
- Sto molto meglio ora.I'm much better now.This sentence is useful for using molto meglio to describe how one is feeling.Tatoeba #4984620 by Guybrush88, translation #4980217 by CK
- Questa è molto meglio.This is much better.This sentence is useful for using molto meglio to describe the quality of an object.Tatoeba #2789016 by Guybrush88, translation #3419937 by CK
- La tua proposta è notevolmente migliore delle altreYour proposal is considerably better than the others
- Il nuovo modello è decisamente meglio del precedenteThe new model is decidedly better than the previous one
- Il pranzo al ristorante era meglio di parecchio rispetto alla mensa aziendaleLunch at the restaurant was much better than the company canteen
- La mia nuova macchina è di gran lunga meglio di quella vecchiaMy new car is by far better than the old one
- Il tuo vestito nuovo mi sta assai meglioYour new dress looks much better on me
- 89 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are comparing two different hotels for their vacation.
- ChiaraGuarda questo hotel, è molto meglio.Look at this hotel, it is much better.
- MatteoSì, la posizione è ottima.Yes, the location is great.
- ChiaraAnche il prezzo è molto meglio.The price is also much better.
- MatteoPrenotiamolo subito allora!Let's book it right away then!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (molto, meglio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries meglio, molto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
