captatio benevolentiae

Italian

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin captātiō benevolentiae (literally “seizing of the good will”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kapˈtat.t͡sjo be.ne.voˈlɛn.t͡sje/
• Hyphenation: cap‧tà‧tio‧be‧ne‧vo‧lèn‧tiae

Phrase

captatio benevolentiae f (invariable)

1. used rhetorically to seek to win someone's sympathy or support by showing respect

Further reading

• captatio benevolentiae in Treccani.it – Vocabolario Treccani on line, Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana