usata

Usata is the feminine singular form of the past participle usato, derived from the Italian verb usare, and functions as an adjective meaning “used” or “second-hand.” It describes items that have been previously owned or employed and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, e.g., una borsa usata, una macchina usata. The corresponding forms are usato (masc. sing.), usati (masc. plur.), and usate (fem. plur.).

Etymology and grammar are straightforward: usata comes from the Latin root usus, meaning “use,” carried into Italian through the verb usare. As a past participle, usata can also participate in compound tenses with auxiliary avere or essere, with agreement governed by standard Italian rules. When the auxiliary is avere and the direct object precedes the participle, the participle may agree in gender and number with the object (for example, le ho usate, I have used them). With essere, the participle agrees with the subject (la porta è usata, the door is used).

Usage and context: Usata is widely used in consumer and marketplace language to label second-hand goods, as in auto usata (used car), telefono usato, oppure vestiti usati. The term conveys prior use rather than defect and often appears in advertisements, auctions, and retail sections that specialize in pre-owned items. In formal writing, usata functions as a standard adjectival form and may be contrasted with nuovo (new) or originale to denote condition.

See also: usare, usanza, usus.