patrio

native, of one's homeland

adjective PAH-tryoh Rare

Origin: From Latin patrius, 'of the father, of the fatherland'.

Also means

paternal (archaic)

Usage Note

Patrio is a literary and formal adjective meaning 'of one's homeland or native country'. The set phrase amor patrio ('love of one's country, patriotism') is very common in Italian. It is not interchangeable with patriottico (patriotic) — patrio describes belonging, while patriottico describes sentiment.

Examples

"Ha combattuto in difesa del suolo patrio."

Natural Translation

He fought in defence of his native soil.

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