Definition
Having the colour of grass or leaves; the colour between blue and yellow in the spectrum.
Example
Le foglie degli alberi sono verdi in primavera.
Show translation
The leaves of the trees are green in spring.
Etymology
From Latin *viridis* ("green, fresh, vigorous"), derived from *virēre* ("to be green, to flourish"). The Latin root also gave English "verdant," "verdure," and "verdigris" (the greenish patina on copper).
Cultural note
In Italian culture, *verde* carries rich symbolic weight beyond colour. "Verde speranza" (hope green) is a classic phrase — green has long been the colour of hope in Italian poetry and opera. The Italian national football kit is nicknamed *gli Azzurri*, but *verde* is central to the flag, representing the country's hills and plains. In everyday speech, *essere al verde* ("to be in the green") paradoxically means to be broke — a fixed expression dating back to the base of candles, which were painted green; when a candle burned down to the green base, money had run out.