stravaganza
/stra.vaˈɡan.t͡sa/
Whimsy is translated into Italian as stravaganza.
Meaning: character (noun)
Which one should you use?
While stravaganza is the noun used to describe the concept of whimsicality or eccentricity, the adjective form is stravagante, which is used to describe a person or thing as being whimsical or eccentric.
How does it change in a sentence?
stravaganza is a feminine noun. To describe someone or something as having this quality, you would use the adjective stravagante.
How do you pronounce it?
/stra.vaˈɡan.tsa/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word stravaganza shares a root with the English word 'extravagant'. It comes from the Latin 'extra vagari', which literally means 'to wander outside' a boundary.
- While stravaganza describes whimsy, it also refers to a lavish spectacle or large-scale production, making it a direct relative of the English 'extravaganza'.
- In certain Italian contexts, particularly in fashion or design, calling something a stravaganza can actually be a high compliment. It suggests a bold, creative departure from the mundane rather than just being 'weird'.
Examples in context
- La sua personalità esuberante è piena di spirito giocoso.His exuberant personality is full of playful spirit.
- La sua presenza porta sempre un tocco di allegra follia.His presence always brings a touch of joyful madness.
- La sua stravaganza la rende unica.Her whimsy makes her unique.
- Amo la stravaganza dei suoi disegni.I love the whimsy of her drawings.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are looking at a piece of modern art.
- GiuliaGuarda che stravaganza in questo quadro!Look at the whimsy in this painting!
- AlessandroSì, l'artista è davvero originale.Yes, the artist is truly original.
- GiuliaMi piace questa stravaganza creativa.I like this creative whimsy.
- AlessandroÈ proprio il mio genere.It's exactly my type.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry stravaganza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
