software

noun SOHF-twehr Rare

Origin: English loanword (1950s), from 'soft' + 'ware'.

Usage Note

Software is used exactly as in English and is invariable in Italian — no plural inflection: i software or simply il software (uncountable). It is always masculine. The Italian Academy proposed programma as a substitute, but software prevails in everyday and technical use. Contrasted with hardware (also invariable, masculine).

Examples

"Devo aggiornare il software del computer."

Natural Translation

I need to update the computer's software.

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