ammirato

Ammirato is an Italian term that functions as both an adjective and a past participle. In its adjectival use, ammirato means "admired" or "well-regarded," and it can describe people, objects, or settings that inspire admiration. It appears in phrases such as "un pubblico ammirato" (an admiring crowd) or "un atto ammirato" (an act that was admired). In grammar, ammirato is the masculine singular form; the feminine singular is ammirata, the masculine plural ammirati, and the feminine plural ammirate. It derives from the verb ammirare, to admire, and shares its meaning with many Romance-language cognates.

Etymology and usage: the word ultimately derives from the Latin admiratus, past participle of admirari, to admire or wonder at. In modern Italian, ammirato can describe both a reaction and the subject of admiration, and it can function in passive constructions when paired with essere or as a participial modifier in passive voice.

As a surname: Ammirato is also a family name of Italian origin. Like many Italian surnames, it likely began as an adjective or nickname describing a person associated with admiration or notable for admirable qualities. Today, Ammirato is borne by individuals and families in Italy and in Italian-speaking communities around the world, where bearers pursue diverse professions.

Notes: The word is distinct from similar terms such as ammirazione (admiration) and ammiratore (admirer).