sottinteso

Sottinteso is an Italian adjective meaning tacitly understood or implicit, referring to something suggested by context rather than stated outright. It describes statements, agreements, attitudes, or implications that are not explicitly expressed but are assumed or inferred by listeners or readers.

Etymology and forms: The term comes from sotto meaning under and inteso meaning understood. The masculine singular is sottinteso, the feminine is sottintesa, and the plural forms are sottintesi (masc.) or sottintese (fem.). It is often used to signal an unspoken nuance that accompanies what is said or written.

Usage and nuance: Sottinteso is commonly used in everyday speech, journalism, literature, and politics to indicate a nuance beyond the literal text. It often carries a sense of politeness or caution, signaling that there is an unspoken condition, expectation, or consequence. It is related to the verb sottintendere (to imply) and to the more general term implicito (implicit), though sottinteso emphasizes the tacit, understood nature of the meaning rather than a directly stated implication.

Translations and equivalents: In English, sottinteso is typically rendered as "tacit," "implicit," or "understood," depending on the context. It can also be described as a "subtextual" nuance, though the direct Italian term does not literally mean subtext.

Examples: "La firma dell'accordo avvenne in modo sottinteso, senza discussione pubblica." (The signing of the agreement happened tacitly, without public discussion.) "Tra i soci c'è un accordo sottinteso sul ruolo di ciascuno." (There is an implicitly understood agreement about each person’s role.)

See also: sottintendere, implicito.