Entrambi

Entrambi is an Italian word that functions as both a determiner and a pronoun meaning "both," referring to two people or things already mentioned or understood. It is used when discussing two items or persons and does not apply to larger groups.

Grammatical forms: When used before a noun, it forms entrambi i..., entrambi gli..., or entrambi le..., and it agrees in gender and number with the noun: for example, "entrambi i libri" (masculine) or "entrambe le scelte" (feminine). When used as a pronoun, it can stand alone as "Entrambi hanno partecipato" or follow the verb as "Hanno partecipato entrambi." The feminine form is "entrambe," as in "entrambe le ragazze."

Usage: In standard Italian, "entrambi" refers to two entities, with "entrambe" used for two feminine entities. For three or more people, other expressions such as "tutti e due" or simply "tutti" are typical. The word emphasizes equality or mutuality between the two subjects and is common in both formal writing and everyday speech.

Related notes: The feminine form "entrambe" is used before feminine nouns or pronouns. The juxtaposition of two items via "entrambi" often conveys that both items or people share a condition, action, or quality.

See also: constructions like "sia ... sia" can express "both ... and ..." in broader clauses, though it is not a direct synonym.