C1⚖️ Law & Politics
Italian word
peculato
embezzlement of public funds by a public official
Looks like
peculiar
strange or unusual
⚠️ The trap
'Peculato' sounds like 'peculiar' but is a serious criminal term in Italian law. It refers specifically to a public official misappropriating public money or property. Its root is Latin 'pecus' (cattle = wealth), same root as English 'peculiar' (originally meaning 'private property'), but the meanings have diverged dramatically.
To say "strange or unusual" in Italian:
peculato
"peculato" in English means:
embezzlement of public funds by a public official
Example
"Il sindaco è stato condannato per peculato."
"The mayor was convicted of embezzlement."
Test your Italian level
Find your level and start the right lessons for you.