folgorate

Folgorate is the second-person plural present indicative form of the Italian verb folgorare, and also the identical form used as the imperative. The verb folgorare has two main senses: literally, to strike with lightning or to flash upon; figuratively, to dazzle, astonish, or overwhelm someone with brightness, brilliance, or inspiration. In practice, folgorate can describe a physical impact from a lightning bolt or a metaphorical impact that suddenly captivates or enlightens.

Etymology and form: folgorare derives from Latin fulgor, fulgur-, meaning brightness or lightning, with the standard Italian -are verb ending. As a result, folgorate appears both as the present indicative for voi (you all dazzle/strike) and as the voi imperative (Dazzle!/Be dazzling!).

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, the literal sense is uncommon in casual speech but can occur in descriptive writing about weather or storms. The figurative sense is widely used to convey a sudden impression or revelation. Examples include: “Un lampo mi ha folgorato” (A bolt of lightning struck me / it illuminated me in a rush) and “Questo discorso mi ha folgorato” (This speech overwhelmed me with its force or insight). The imperative form “folgorate!” can be used to urge a group to dazzle or impress audiences, depending on context.

See also: folgorare, fulgore, fulgidamente.