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sentenziare

to pronounce judgment

verb sen-ten-TSYAH-reh Rare

Also means

to pontificate

Usage Note

Sentenziare takes avere and is used both in legal contexts ('to pronounce a sentence') and figuratively for someone who delivers opinions with excessive authority — closer to 'to hold forth' or 'to pontificate'. The figurative use carries a mildly ironic tone. The noun sentenza (f) means both 'sentence/verdict' and 'maxim/aphorism'.

Examples

"Il giudice ha sentenziato a favore dell'imputato."

Natural Translation

The judge pronounced in favour of the defendant.

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