Meaning · noun
mercenary
- a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army
- a person motivated purely by financial gain
In a sentence
Molti mercenari hanno combattuto durante le guerre medievali in Europa.
Many mercenaries fought during medieval wars in Europe.
L'esercito straniero ha assunto un gruppo di mercenari esperti.
The foreign army hired a group of experienced mercenaries.
Non voglio lavorare con un mercenario a cui importa solo il denaro.
I don't want to work with a mercenary who only cares about money.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|
| mercenario | masculine · singular |
| mercenari | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Also functions as an adjective meaning 'mercenary' or 'money-driven'.
- Feminine form 'mercenaria' exists but is used less frequently.
Related words
soldato di ventura
Meaning · adjective
mercenary
- motivated solely by money or personal gain
- serving as a hired soldier for a foreign army
In a sentence
Rifiutò quell'incarico perché non voleva sembrare mercenario.
He turned down that assignment because he didn't want to seem mercenary.
L'esercito arruolò diverse compagnie mercenarie durante il conflitto.
The army enlisted several mercenary companies during the conflict.
Non approvo affatto il suo atteggiamento puramente mercenario.
I don't at all approve of his purely mercenary attitude.
Word forms (4)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|
| mercenario | masculine · singular |
| mercenaria | feminine · singular |
| mercenari | masculine · plural |
| mercenarie | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Can also be used as a noun ('un mercenario' = a mercenary soldier).
- Often carries a strong derogatory connotation when applied to motives.
Explore vocabulary lessons →