Italian Words in English

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Instructions: From piano to volcano, explore the rich Italian heritage behind many beloved English words!

1.
The word 'piano' comes from the Italian 'pianoforte.' What does 'pianoforte' literally mean?
A
Beautiful sound
B
Musical keys
C
String instrument
D
Soft and loud
2.
Which English word for a type of hooded waterproof garment comes from the Italian 'cappuccio' (hood)?
A
Cape
B
Poncho
C
Capote
D
Cappuccino
3.
The word 'volcano' comes from Italian. It is named after which Roman deity?
A
Pluto
B
Mars
C
Neptune
D
Vulcan
4.
Which English word for a balcony or seating area in a theater comes from the Italian 'balcone'?
A
Balcony
B
Loge
C
Mezzanine
D
Gallery
5.
The word 'fiasco' is borrowed from Italian. What does 'fiasco' literally mean in Italian?
A
A bad performance
B
A bottle or flask
C
A disaster
D
A broken promise
6.
Which musical term meaning 'at a brisk tempo' comes directly from Italian?
A
Largo
B
Andante
C
Allegro
D
Grave
7.
The word 'graffiti' is Italian in origin. What is the singular form of 'graffiti'?
A
Graffito
B
Graffite
C
Graffit
D
Graffitis
8.
Which English word for a type of ice cream comes from the Italian 'gelato,' meaning 'frozen'?
A
Parfait
B
Sorbet
C
Sherbet
D
Gelato
9.
The word 'influenza' came to English from Italian. What did Italians believe caused the disease?
A
Evil spirits
B
Bad water
C
The influence of the stars
D
Cold winds
10.
Which English word for a public square or marketplace comes from the Italian 'piazza'?
A
Plaza
B
Piazza
C
Arcade
D
Forum
11.
The word 'umbrella' comes from the Italian 'ombrella,' derived from 'ombra.' What does 'ombra' mean?
A
Protection
B
Cover
C
Shade or shadow
D
Rain
12.
Which word for the practice of isolating ships to prevent disease spread comes from the Italian 'quaranta' (forty)?
A
Quarantine
B
Embargo
C
Blockade
D
Isolation
13.
The word 'casino' is Italian. What does it literally mean?
A
Place of chance
B
Money room
C
Little house
D
Gambling hall
14.
Which architectural term meaning 'a roofed gallery or arcade' comes from the Italian 'loggia'?
A
Loggia
B
Colonnade
C
Portico
D
Atrium
15.
The word 'stiletto' comes from Italian. What does the Italian 'stilo' (its root) mean?
A
A sharp heel
B
A pointed instrument or dagger
C
A thin needle
D
A blade

Answer Key

Question 1

D. Soft and loud

Question 2

A. Cape

Question 3

D. Vulcan

Question 4

A. Balcony

Question 5

B. A bottle or flask

Question 6

C. Allegro

Question 7

A. Graffito

Question 8

D. Gelato

Question 9

C. The influence of the stars

Question 10

B. Piazza

Question 11

C. Shade or shadow

Question 12

A. Quarantine

Question 13

C. Little house

Question 14

A. Loggia

Question 15

B. A pointed instrument or dagger

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