commutare

Commuta re is an Italian verb meaning to exchange or swap, to change from one thing to another, or to substitute one form with another. It is used in both everyday language and specialized terminology, with nuances depending on the context.

Etymology and form: the verb derives from Latin commutare, from com- (together, thoroughly) + mutare (to change). The sense centers on change through interchange. In Italian, related terms include mutare (to change), comutazione (the act of exchanging or substituting), and comutatore (a device or person that performs the exchange).

Domains and usage: in law, comutare commonly refers to substituting a penalty with a milder one, as in comutare una pena. In mathematics and logic, the verb is used to describe commutativity, for example, due operatori che si comutano (operators that commute). The noun form commutatore is the mathematical “commutator.” In electronics and engineering, comutatore designates a commutator in DC motors and related switching devices, which allows current or path to change direction. In general language, comutare can mean to exchange currencies, to swap items, or to convert one state into another, though more common verbs may be used depending on the context (for example, cambiare or scambiare).

Related terms: the concept of commutativity in mathematics is expressed in Italian as commutatività; the property is described by statements like “A e B si comutano.” The English cognate forms include commute, commutation, and commutator, reflecting shared Latin roots.

Overall, comutare is a polyvalent Italian verb tied to transformation through exchange, with specific technical usages in law, mathematics, and engineering.