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dolce far niente

American  
[dawl-che fahr nyen-te] / ˈdɔl tʃɛ fɑr ˈnjɛn tɛ /

noun

Italian.
  1. pleasing inactivity.


dolce far niente British  
/ ˈdoltʃe far ˈnjɛnte /

noun

  1. pleasant idleness

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of dolce far niente

Literally, “(it is) sweet to do nothing”


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Now he has gone completely dolce far niente.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Rome iridescent socialites decayed in amiable dolce far niente.

From Time Magazine Archive

I never sympathized with Charley's love for the dolce far niente before, but I begin to appreciate it now.

From The Actress' Daughter A Novel by May Agnes Fleming

I thus enjoy all the varying charms of dolce far niente at all seasons of the year, thinking and dreaming, sometimes awake, sometimes half asleep.

From The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence by Eug?ne Sue

“This is dolce far niente for fair,” murmured Jack lazily.

From The Motor Girls in the Mountains or, The Gypsy Girl's Secret by Margaret Penrose

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