sottoscritto

Sottoscritto is an Italian term used in formal documents to designate the signer or author of the text. It functions as a noun or an adjective meaning “the undersigned,” and it commonly appears in letters, affidavits, contracts, and declarations to identify the person who signs or is responsible for the contents.

Etymology and meaning: Sottoscritto derives from sottoscrivere, meaning “to sign under” or “to subscribe.” The root sotto means “under,” and scribere (scritto in the past participle form) comes from “to write.” The term thus conveys that the signer has written beneath the document or text.

Usage and forms: In Italian, the form varies by gender and number. Masculine singular is sottoscritto, feminine singular sottoscrittta, masculine plural sottoscritti, and feminine plural sottoscritte. As a noun, it is typically followed by the person’s name and sometimes their title, in the signature block or near the end of a document. In English translations, it is usually rendered as “the undersigned.” The feminine forms are used when the signer is female, for example, “La sottoscritta, [Name],” whereas male signatories use the masculine form.

Context and function: The term is common in legal, administrative, and corporate Italian documents. It helps attribute responsibility and authority to the person signing or issuing the document, and it often precedes the signature or introductory clause, such as “Io, sottoscritto, [Name], dichiaro…” The usage is largely formal and conventional, with little variation across modern official texts.