sforzo

Sforzo is an Italian noun (masculine) meaning effort or exertion. It denotes the physical or mental strain involved in performing a task, or the attempt to reach a goal. The term is commonly used in everyday language, sports, work contexts, and discussions of motivation or energy expenditure. Phrases like fare uno sforzo and con grande sforzo illustrate its typical usage.

Etymology: sforzo derives from the verb sforzare, which means to force or strain, and from the reflexive sforzarsi (to make an effort). The noun can be seen as a nominalization related to the notion of forcing oneself toward a goal.

Usage notes: sforzo typically refers to deliberate exertion rather than passive effort. Its intensity can be described with adjectives such as minimo, notevole, or eccezionale. In plural, gli sforzi refer to multiple efforts, for example in describing collective action or progress. The expression fare uno sforzo is common in both daily language and formal contexts.

Contexts: in sports and physiology, sforzo is used to discuss work, exertion, and energy expenditure, as in sforzo fisico or sforzo cardiaco. In literature and rhetoric, it can convey determination or perseverance in facing challenges, sometimes with a nuanced sense of striving against obstacles.

See also: related terms include impegno (commitment), fatica (fatigue), resistenza (endurance), and energia (energy). Common phrases include fare uno sforzo and riferirsi a lo sforzo come indicatore di impegno o progresso.