colpito

Colpito is an Italian word that functions as both an adjective and the past participle of the verb colpire, which means to strike or to hit. It describes something that has been physically struck or that has been affected by a force or influence, either literally or figuratively. For example, l’edificio è stato colpito da una tempesta (the building was struck by a storm) or è stato colpito dalla crisi economica (he has been affected by the economic crisis).

Etymology and related forms: Colpito derives from the noun colpo, meaning an impact or blow, which in turn comes from the same root as colpire. The related verb colpire is the infinitive form meaning to strike or to hit, and colpito is its past participle used in compound tenses and in adjectival phrases.

Usage and grammar: In Italian, colpito participates in compound tenses with essere or avere, depending on the construction, as in è stato colpito (was struck) or ha colpito (has struck). As an adjective, it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, for example, una persona colpita (a struck person) or le città colpite (the struck cities). The construction colpito da is commonly used to express being affected by something, such as colpito da una malattia or colpito dalla tempesta.

See also: colpo, colpire, colpo di stato. For broader usage, consult Italian grammar on past participles and agreement with auxiliary verbs.