In this lesson, we explore the fascinating world of defective verbs, a unique category of verbs in the Italian language. As the name suggests, these verbs are “defective” because they lack certain tenses, moods, or forms. Let’s find out the most common defective verbs, how to use them, and the contexts in which they appear.
What Are Defective Verbs and Which Ones Are They?
Defective verbs are verbs that are not conjugated in all grammatical forms.
Although some have fallen out of use, there are still interesting and useful examples worth knowing.
1. Addirsi (to be suitable)
It means “to be suitable” or “to be appropriate.” It is only used in the third person in certain tenses.
Forms used:
- Indicativo presente: si addice (is suitable), si addicono (are suitable).
- Indicativo imperfetto: si addiceva (was suitable), si addicevano (were suitable).
- Indicativo futuro: si addirà (will be suitable), si addiranno (will be suitable).
- Congiuntivo presente: si addica (be suitable), si addicano (be suitable).
- Congiuntivo imperfetto: si addicesse (were suitable), si addicessero (were suitable).
- Condizionale presente: si addirebbe (would be suitable), si addirebbero (would be suitable).
- Participio passato: used as a noun (“addetto” = assigned).
Examples:
– Quegli abiti non ti si addicono; sembrano troppo seri per te. (Those clothes are not suitable for you; they’re too serious for you.)
– Il comportamento di Mario non si addiceva alla situazione. (Mario’s behavior was not suitable for the situation)
2. Delinquere and Tangere
- Delinquere means “to commit a crime.”
- Tangere means “to touch.”
They are mostly used in the participio presente: - Delinquente (criminal, adjective or noun).
- Tangente (tangent, adjective or noun).
Examples:
– È un delinquente pericoloso! (He is a dangerous criminal!)
– Una retta tangente tocca un’altra retta in un solo punto. (A tangent line touches another line at a single point)
3. Fervere (to be fervent or intense)
It indicates intensity or heat, either literally or figuratively. It is common in idiomatic expressions.
Forms used:
- Indicativo presente: ferve (is fervent), fervono (are fervent).
- Indicativo imperfetto: ferveva (was fervent), fervevano (were fervent).
- Participio presente: fervente (fervent).
Examples:
– Fervono I preparativi per la festa. (Preparations are in full swing for the party)
– Un ambiente fervente di idee. (A fervent atmosphere of ideas)
4. Ostare (to hinder or obstruct)
This verb still survives in bureaucratic contexts like the expression nulla osta (nothing hinders) and in the conjunction nonostante (non + ostante = despite).
Examples:
– Ho ricevuto il nullaosta per procedere. (I received the clearance to proceed)
– Nonostante gli ostacoli, abbiamo raggiunto il traguardo. (Despite the obstacles, we reached the goal).
5. Solere (to be accustomed)
It means “to be accustomed to doing something.”
Forms used:
- Indicativo presente e imperfetto: suole (is accustomed to), soleva (was accustomed to).
- Common expressions: “essere solito” (to be accustomed to).
Examples:
– Come si suol dire, la pratica rende perfetti. (As they say, practice makes perfect)
– Sono solito leggere prima di dormire. (I am accustomed to reading before bed)
6. Prudere (to itch)
It expresses a sensation of itchiness. It is only used in the third person.
Forms used:
- Indicativo presente: prude (itches), prudono (itch).
- Indicativo futuro: pruderà (will itch), pruderanno (will itch).
- Congiuntivo presente: pruda (itches), prudano (itch).
- Gerundio presente: prudendo (itching).
Examples:
– Mi prude la schiena, aiutami a grattarla! (My back itches, help me scratch it)
Other defective verbs follow similar patterns. Here are some examples:
- Urgere (to be urgent): it expresses pressing necessity (i.e. Urge una decisione immediata = An immediate decision is urgent).
- Vigere (to be valid): it refers to validity or the force of laws (i.e. Una norma che vigeva nel passato = A rule that was valid in the past).
- Vertere (to concern): it relates to a specific topic (i.e. La discussione verte su temi importanti = The discussion concerns important topics).
7. Aggradare (to please)
Rarely used and often with an ironic tone, it means “to be pleasing.”
Forms used: present indicative (aggrada, aggradano).
Examples:
– Ti aggrada un caffè? (Does a coffee please you?)
8. Secernere (to secrete)
Mostly used in biology, it means “to produce and emit substances.”
Common forms:
- Indicativo presente: secerne (secretes), secernono (secrete).
- Participio passato: secreto (secreted).
Examples:
– Le ghiandole secernono ormoni importanti. (The glands secrete important hormones)
9. Splendere (to shine)
This verb can be conjugated in simple tenses but not in compound ones because it lacks a past participle.
Examples:
– Oggi splende il sole! (Today the sun is shining!)
Similar verbs:
- Competere (to compete),
- Dirimere (to resolve),
- Incombere (to loom or impend).
Defective verbs represent a fascinating peculiarity of the Italian language. Even though their usage is limited, knowing them allows you to enrich your vocabulary and express yourself with greater precision. Which defective verb is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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