coinvolgere

Coinvolgere is an Italian verb that means to involve or engage someone or something in an activity, matter, or process. It can also mean to implicate someone in a crime or situation. Used transitively, it typically takes a direct object referring to the person or group to be involved, followed by in to specify the domain: coinvolgere qualcuno in qualcosa.

Etymology and sense development: The term derives from a combination of prefixes and the root volgere or envolgere, with a development dating back to Latin, through Italian historical forms, acquiring the figurative meaning of drawing someone into an activity or issue.

Usage and grammar: Coinvolgere is a regular -ere verb. Present tense forms include coinvolgo, coinvolgi, coinvolge, coinvolgiamo, coinvolgete, coinvolgono. The past participle is coinvolto, used with auxiliary essere in compound tenses (è stato coinvolto). The gerund is coinvolgendo. It is common to pair the verb with di/nel/nel contesto or with the preposition in to indicate the field of involvement.

Contexts and nuance: In corporate, civic, or educational contexts, coinvolgere emphasizes inclusive participation and collaboration. In legal or investigative contexts, it can mean to implicate someone in a crime or matter (essere/essere coinvolto in un reato; coinvolgere qualcuno in un’indagine). The noun coinvolgimento (involvement or engagement) and the adjective coinvolgente (engaging) derive from the same root.

Examples: La campagna mira a coinvolgere i cittadini nel processo decisionale. L’indagine ha coinvolto oltre cento persone. L’azienda vuole coinvolgere i dipendenti nel progetto.