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ateneo

university; academic institution

noun ah-TEH-neh-oh Rare
People & Society Education

Origin: Greek Athenaion (temple of Athena), a place of learning

Usage Note

Ateneo is a slightly formal or literary synonym for università — used especially in official names like l'Ateneo di Bologna. It evokes the classical Athenian ideal of a place dedicated to knowledge. The plural atenei is regular. In everyday speech, students more commonly say università or simply l'uni.

Examples

"L'ateneo ha inaugurato una nuova biblioteca."

Natural Translation

The university inaugurated a new library.

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