Davvero

Davvero is an Italian adverb meaning "really" or "truly." It functions as an intensifier that can modify adjectives, adverbs, or verbs to express emphasis, certainty, or surprise. In everyday speech it is common and generally neutral; in formal writing it is acceptable but may convey a slightly informal or conversational tone.

Origin and form: The word is formed from the preposition da ("from") and the adjective vero ("true"), yielding a fused form that historically means "indeed" or "in truth." The expression has long been part of standard Italian and is widely used across dialects.

Usage and examples: Davvero is typically placed before the word it modifies, as in "davvero utile" or "davvero interessante," signaling strong endorsement or emphasis. It can also appear after the verb essere in phrases such as "È davvero difficile," meaning "It is really difficult." As an interjection, "Davvero?" means "Really?" and is used to confirm or question a statement. While it is often interchangeable with "veramente," "davvero" can carry a nuanced sense of genuineness or immediacy.

Notes: The capitalization follows standard Italian rules: it is capitalized only at the beginning of a sentence and is not a proper noun. Davvero is widely understood across Italian-speaking regions and registers, from casual speech to written prose, where it serves to convey a precise degree of emphasis. Related terms include verissimo, veramente, and proprio.