interpellare

to question formally

verb een-ter-pel-LAH-reh Rare

Origin: From Latin interpellare ('to interrupt, to address formally').

Also means

to consult

Usage Note

Interpellare carries a formal register: it is used when an authority, expert, or official body is formally addressed or questioned. In parliament, interpellare il governo is a specific procedural act. In everyday use it means 'to ask someone for their input or decision,' but always with a slightly official tone compared to chiedere. It takes avere in compound tenses and is a regular -are verb.

Examples

"I deputati hanno interpellato il ministro."

Natural Translation

The MPs formally questioned the minister.

Literal Translation

The deputies have questioned the minister.

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