osare

to dare

verb oh-ZAH-reh Rare

Origin: Latin ausare, from ausus (having dared), past participle of audere.

Usage Note

Osare is a modal-like verb that takes a bare infinitive: non oso immaginarlo (I dare not imagine it). It conjugates regularly on -are. In negative commands it carries a strong warning tone: non osare! (don't you dare!).

Examples

"Non osavo guardarlo negli occhi."

Natural Translation

I didn't dare look him in the eyes.

Literal Translation

I-not dared look-him in-the eyes.

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