verso l'alto
The English phrase upward is translated into Italian as verso l'alto.
verso l'alto is used to describe something that is moving up or is directed toward a higher place. While the English word can function as an adjective, in Italian this phrase is used primarily as an adverbial phrase to indicate direction.
Meaning: moving up, directed toward a higher place (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition verso, meaning towards and the noun phrase l'alto, which means the high part or the top.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word verso has a double meaning and also means 'verse' in poetry or a 'cry' from an animal.
- The word verso is a doublet of the English word 'versus'. While 'versus' is used in English to show competition, verso is used in Italian to show direction.
- The word alto can also mean 'loud' when referring to a voice or a sound. While it means 'high' in the context of direction, a 'high' volume is described using this same root.
Examples in context
- Il grafico mostra l'andamento delle temperature in senso ascendente.The chart shows the temperature trend going upward.
- Guarda quel palloncino, sta salendo verso l'alto!Look at that balloon, it's going up!
- Alzati e guarda in su, le stelle sono meravigliose stasera!Stand up and look upward, the stars are beautiful tonight!
- Il fumo sale verso l'alto.The smoke rises upward.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- LorenzoGuarda come lo sguardo è rivolto verso l'alto.Look how the gaze is directed upward.
- SofiaSì, Lorenzo, dà un senso di speranza.Yes, Lorenzo, it gives a sense of hope.
- LorenzoAnche i colori sembrano salire verso l'alto.Even the colors seem to move upward.
- SofiaÈ davvero un'opera emozionante, Sofia concorda.It is truly an emotional work, Sofia agrees.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries verso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
