terminare

Terminare is an Italian verb of the first conjugation meaning to terminate, end, or finish. It is used both transitively and intransitively, typically with a direct object when something is brought to an end, and it can also describe a process that comes to a conclusion. In everyday language, terminare is often interchangeable with finire, but it carries a nuance of formal completion or reaching a defined endpoint.

As a regular -are verb, terminare follows the standard conjugation pattern. Present indicative: io termino, tu termini, lui/lei termina, noi terminiamo, voi terminate, loro terminano. Imperfect: terminavo, terminavi, terminava, terminavamo, terminavate, terminavano. Future: terminerò, terminerai, terminerà, termineremo, terminerete, termineranno. Past historic (literary): terminai, terminasti, terminò, terminammo, terminaste, terminarono. Past participle: terminato, used with avere in compound tenses (ho terminato, hai terminato, ha terminato, abbiamo terminato, avete terminato, hanno terminato). Gerund: terminando. Subjunctive present: termini, termini, termini, terminiamo, terminate, terminino. Imperative: termina, terminiamo, terminate.

Etymology and related terms: terminare derives from Latin terminare, from terminus meaning end or boundary. Related nouns include termine (end, term) and terminazione (termination, ending). Related verbs include finire and concludere, which are often used in similar contexts but can carry different nuances.

Usage notes: terminare is common in contexts such as terminare un progetto, terminare una lezione, terminare una stagione, or terminare un contratto. It emphasizes reaching a defined conclusion or completion rather than merely finishing an activity. See also finire, concludere, termine.