inquietarsi

Inquietarsi is a Italian verb that denotes becoming unsettled, anxious, or worried. It is used to describe a sudden or ongoing state of unease rather than a concrete action.

Etymology and related forms: The verb derives from the adjective inquieto (restless) and from the Latin root inquietus, with the prefix in- meaning “not” and quietus meaning “calm” or “quiet.” The form inquietarsi is pronominal and intransitive, typically used with reflexive pronouns (mi, ti, si). The transitive counterpart is inquietare (to trouble or worry someone).

Usage and nuances: Inquietarsi often conveys both emotional states and reactions to specific circumstances, such as alarming news or uncertain outcomes. It can describe a gradual build-up of unease or a more immediate annoyance. Common constructions include inquietarsi per qualcosa (to become worried about something) and reflexive variants like mi inquieto, ti inquieti, si inquieta. The past tense typically uses essere (e.g., mi sono inquietato/a).

Synonyms and antonyms: Related terms include preoccuparsi (to worry), agitarsi (to grow agitated), allarmarsi (to become alarmed), and rasserenarsi or tranquilizzarsi for the opposite sense.

Related noun form: The noun inquietudine (restlessness, anxiety) expresses the state rather than the action, while inquieto is the corresponding adjective meaning restless.

See also: inquietare, inquieto, inquietudine. Inquietarsi is a common is used across formal and informal contexts to describe emotional responses to uncertain or troubling situations.