sprecare

Sprecate is an Italian verb meaning to waste or squander, especially of time, money, or resources. It connotes using something carelessly or inefficiently, often resulting in a loss of value. The verb is typically transitive and combines with direct objects such as tempo (time), soldi (money), risorse (resources), energia (energy), and cibo (food). It can also be used with abstract nouns like tempo prezioso or risorse limitate.

Etymology and form: sprecare is derived from the noun spreco, which denotes waste. It is a regular -are verb, so its conjugation follows the standard pattern: io spreco, tu sprechi, lui/lei spreca, noi sprechiamo, voi sprecate, loro sprecano. The passato prossimo is formed with avere as auxiliary: ho sprecato, hai sprecato, ha sprecato, etc.

Usage and nuance: sprecare emphasizes wastefulness beyond mere disposal; it suggests that value could have been preserved with different or more prudent use. It is commonly used in everyday speech as well as in discussions of economy, efficiency, and environmental impact. Expressions include sprecare tempo, sprecare risorse, and spreco alimentare (food waste). In contrast, verbs such as risparmiare (to save) or utilizzare efficiently convey the opposite idea.

Examples: Non dobbiamo sprecare tempo in riunioni che non producono risultati. Ha sprecato molti soldi in investimenti poco accurati. Il problema odierno è lo spreco alimentare, che riguarda la perdita di cibo lungo la filiera.

See also: spreco, spreco alimentare, risparmio, efficienza.