Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash/Nicolas Raymond
Previously, we’ve discussed the use of mo in Italian to mean ‘now’, arising as an abbreviation of the Latin word for now, way.
The mo in today’s phrase a mo’ di looks similar, but instead it’s an abbreviation of the Italian word waymeaning style or manner.
A mo’ di therefore means ‘by way of’ or ‘in the manner of’.
As an example, I’ll tell you a story…
By way of example, I’ll tell you a story…
Here is a copy of his letter, by way of explanation.
Here’s copy of her letter, by way of explanation.
We have to do it fast and accurately, like a surgeon.
We do it must quickly and precisely, in the manner of a surgeon.
Notice there’s an apostrophe at the end of mo’ – that’s to show the word is an abbreviation of modo. You could theoretically say in the way ofbut it sounds a bit stiff and formal.
The phrase also means “as” or “like”, when you’re using one thing as something else.
He used the newspaper as an umbrella to protect himself from the rain.
She was using the newspaper as an umbrella to shield herself from the rain.
I’m using this sweater as a pillow for the camping trip.
I’m using this jumper as a pillow for the camping trip.
Finally, a mo’ di can mean “in the guise of”, when talking about dressing or styling a person or thing in a certain way.
He was dressed like a priest, so he was able to enter the monastery.
He was dressed like a priest, and in this way he managed to gain access to the monastery.
She dressed up as a witch to go to the Halloween party.
She dressed up as a witch to go to the Halloween party.
And that’s what we’ve got for you, by way of explanation.
Do you have an Italian word you’d like us to feature? If so, please email us with your suggestion.