devoluzione

devolution

noun deh-voh-loo-TSYOH-neh Rare

Origin: From Latin devolutio, 'a rolling down'.

Also means

transfer of powers

Usage Note

Devoluzione is a formal political-legal term referring to the transfer of powers from a central government to regional authorities. It is borrowed from English 'devolution' in its constitutional sense but also retains the older Latin legal meaning of property transfer. Its register is formal; in everyday speech Italians more often say decentramento for administrative decentralisation.

Examples

"La devoluzione dei poteri alle regioni è in corso."

Natural Translation

The devolution of powers to the regions is under way.

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