"Sconvolto dalla Notizia": Meaning, Grammar, and Natural Usage

Imagine receiving unexpected news—something that suddenly changes your mood. How would you describe that feeling in Italian? One of the most effective expressions is "sconvolto dalla notizia". This phrase is essential for everyone who wants to learn Italian and sound like a native speaker, as it expresses intense reactions in the face of an event. In this article, we'll explore the meaning of "sconvolto dalla notizia" in detail, its grammatical structure, and provide practical examples to use it correctly in any situation. Get ready to master this key expression in Italian vocabulary!

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What does "sconvolto dalla notizia" mean?

  • Sconvolto: Comes from the verb "sconvolgere," which means to deeply upset, to shake up, to disturb. The adjective describes a state of deep emotional or psychological turmoil. It can indicate extreme surprise, shock, intense sadness, or even immense joy that leaves you speechless.

  • Dalla: The contracted preposition "da" + "la." The preposition "da" indicates the cause or origin of an action or a state.

  • Notizia: Information or communication about a fact, event, or piece of news.

  • Full meaning: To be deeply upset, agitated, or emotionally affected due to a specific piece of news. The reaction is often immediate and overwhelming, leaving the person in shock or great emotional confusion. It can be used for both positive and negative news, though it's more common with negative ones.

More: Complete Guide to Turbato dall’incidente Meaning and Usage Explained

The Grammar Behind the Phrase: Rules and Common Mistakes

  • Agreement of the Adjective: The adjective "sconvolto" must agree in gender and number with the subject it refers to. This is crucial in Italian grammar.

    • Masculine singular: sconvolto
    • Feminine singular: sconvolta
    • Masculine plural: sconvolti
    • Feminine plural: sconvolte
    • Example: "Luca è sconvolto dalla notizia" (masculine singular). "Maria è sconvolta dalla notizia" (feminine singular). "I ragazzi sono sconvolti dalla notizia" (masculine plural).
  • Use of the Preposition "da": The preposition "da" is mandatory and indicates the cause or agent that caused the state of being "sconvolto". It ties the adjective to the piece of news (or event) that caused it. Use "dal", "dalla", "dall'", "dai", "dalle" based on the gender and number of the noun that follows.

    • Correct example: "Sono sconvolto dalla notizia."
    • Common mistake: Using "per" or "di" instead of "da". "Sono sconvolto per la notizia" (incorrect). "Sono sconvolto della notizia" (incorrect). As explained on WordReference, the correct preposition in this context is "da" to indicate the efficient cause.
  • Agreement Errors: Not agreeing the adjective correctly with the subject. For example, saying "Mia sorella è sconvolto dalla notizia" instead of "Mia sorella è sconvolta dalla notizia".

Real-life Examples with "sconvolto dalla notizia"

Here are some examples of how "sconvolto dalla notizia" is used in real contexts, to help you better understand adjectival phrase examples.

  • Dialogue 1: An Unexpected Loss

    • Persona A: "Ho appena saputo che hanno annullato il nostro volo per le vacanze. Non ci posso credere!"
    • Persona B: "Davvero? Sono completamente sconvolto dalla notizia! Avevamo già prenotato tutto."
  • Dialogue 2: A Dramatic Event

    • Persona A: "Hai sentito cosa è successo in città ieri sera? Un incendio nel centro storico."
    • Persona B: "Sì, ho letto. Sono rimasto sconvolto dalla notizia e dalle immagini. Che disastro!"
  • Example 3: An Overwhelming Surprise

    • Persona A: "Ti ricordi che aspettavo la risposta per la borsa di studio? Mi hanno accettato!"
    • Persona B: "Non ci credo! Sono sconvolto dalla notizia, è fantastico! Congratulazioni!"
  • Example 4: Reaction to Global Events

    • The community was sconvolta dalla notizia of the earthquake, and everyone mobilized to help the victims.

Related Words and Expressions

To enrich your Italian vocabulary and describe people in Italian, here are some expressions similar to "sconvolto dalla notizia," with slightly different meanings and nuances:

Related ExpressionBrief MeaningExample in Italian
Scioccato daStrong state of shock"Sono scioccato da quello che ho visto."
Turbato daLess intense, disturbed"Era turbato da un brutto sogno."
Colpito daInfluenced, affected by"Sono rimasto molto colpito dalla sua gentilezza."
Prostrato daDrained, weighed down by"Si sentiva prostrato dalla stanchezza e dal dolore."

Conclusion

Understanding and using "sconvolto dalla notizia" correctly allows you to express intense emotional reactions authentically and naturally. Pay attention to adjective agreement and the use of the preposition "da". With practice, this phrase will become an integral part of your Italian speaking, helping you avoid common mistakes in Italian.

Now it's your turn! Share in the comments an example of a situation where you felt "sconvolto dalla notizia".