mollare

Mollare is an Italian verb with several related meanings centered on releasing, loosening, or giving up. It can be used physically, as in releasing a grip or a line, as well as figuratively, meaning to abandon a plan, give up a effort, or quit a job. The term is common in everyday speech and in nautical or mechanical contexts where releasing or loosening is involved.

Etymology and sense development: Mollare derives from Latin mollāre, to soften, with mollis meaning soft. Over time, the sense broadened from softening or loosening to freeing from a constraint or obligation, and to quitting or abandoning something.

Conjugation and grammar: Mollare is a regular -are verb. Present indicative forms are: io mollo, tu molli, lui/lei molla, noi moliamo, voi molate, loro mollano. Other key forms include mollai (passato remoto), mollando (gerund), and mollato (past participle). For example: Io mollo la corda quando la trazione è sufficiente; Non mollare, stiamo per arrivare.

Usage notes: In physical contexts, mollare often appears with objects such as corde (cords), catene, or tension. In figurative use, it pairs with expressions like mollare tutto (to give up everything), mollare la presa (to release one’s grip), or non mollare (don’t give up). In colloquial speech, mollare can carry a sense of quitting or abandoning someone or something, sometimes with a negative nuance.

See also: Allentare, abbandonare, mollare gli ormeggi (to cast off), non mollare.

In summary, mollare is a versatile Italian verb for releasing or giving up, with both concrete and abstract applications, rooted in the broader idea of softening or loosening through its Latin origin.