fidanzata

Fidanzata is a feminine noun and adjective in Italian that designates a woman who is engaged to be married (fiancée). In everyday speech, it also denotes a girlfriend in a romantic relationship, although the term fidanzato/a generally carries the implication of an engagement. The corresponding masculine form is fidanzato.

Origin and usage: The word derives from an older Italian term such as fidanza, related to the idea of trust and pledge, and ultimately from the Latin fidere, “to trust.” The concept of fidanzamento historically referred to a formal pledge to marry, sometimes arranged between families, but in modern usage the term is largely informal and personal.

Engagement and status: In Italy, being fidanzata does not constitute a legally binding status; engagement is a social or personal commitment rather than a contract. Couples may use the term to signal commitment, regardless of whether a formal engagement has been officially declared. The term remains common in families, media, and everyday conversation.

Usage notes: A woman who is about to marry can be called la mia fidanzata; a woman in a romantic relationship may be referred to as la mia fidanzata depending on context. Related verbs include fidanzarsi, meaning to become engaged, and fidanzamento, the engagement itself.

See also: fidanzato, fidanzamento.