At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'aiutare' (to help). 'Agevolare' is much more advanced, but you can think of it as a special way to say 'make easy.' Even if you don't use it yet, you might see it on signs at the airport or in a bank. It means someone is trying to make a process (like checking your passport) faster and smoother for you. Just remember: Agevolare = Make it easy/fast.
At the A2 level, you are starting to deal with more public situations in Italy, like going to the post office or a train station. You might hear 'Per agevolare il transito...' (To make the passage easier...). It's a formal word. You don't need to use it with your friends, but it's good to recognize that it's a more 'official' version of 'rendere facile' (to make easy). It usually takes a direct object, like 'agevolare il lavoro' (to facilitate the work).
By B1, you should understand that 'agevolare' is often used in professional or semi-formal contexts. It's not just 'helping' a person, but 'facilitating' a situation. If you are writing a formal email or a simple report, using 'agevolare' instead of 'aiutare' makes your Italian sound more mature. For example, 'Voglio agevolare la comunicazione tra noi' (I want to facilitate communication between us). It shows you are thinking about the process.
At the B2 level, 'agevolare' is a key vocabulary word. You should be able to use it to discuss social issues, business processes, and government policies. You'll recognize it in terms like 'agevolazioni fiscali' (tax incentives). At this level, you understand the nuance: 'agevolare' implies removing an obstacle or providing an advantage. It's a transitive verb and is a staple of 'Italiano burocratico' (bureaucratic Italian) and 'Italiano aziendale' (corporate Italian).
At C1, you use 'agevolare' with precision, distinguishing it from 'facilitare,' 'favorire,' or 'incentivare.' You recognize its rhetorical value in persuasive writing and public speaking. You might use it in the passive voice ('essere agevolato da') to describe how certain conditions made a complex outcome possible. You also understand its etymological link to 'agio' and 'agevole,' allowing you to use the whole word family to describe comfort and efficiency in high-level discourse.
At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of 'agevolare.' You can use it in legal, philosophical, or highly technical contexts. You understand how it functions in the 'legalese' of Italian contracts and statutes. You can play with its nuances—for instance, using it ironically to describe someone getting an unfair 'push' (essere agevolato) or using it to describe the fluid movement of a complex system. It is a tool for expressing systemic efficiency and strategic intervention at the highest register.

agevolare in 30 Seconds

  • Agevolare is a formal Italian verb meaning 'to facilitate' or 'to make easier.'
  • It is commonly used in professional, bureaucratic, and logistical contexts to describe smoothing a process.
  • Structurally, it is a transitive verb that directly takes the object it is easing.
  • It is etymologically related to 'agio' (ease) and 'agevole' (manageable/easy).

The Italian verb agevolare is a sophisticated and highly functional term that English speakers often translate as 'to facilitate,' 'to ease,' 'to expedite,' or 'to make easier.' Derived from the adjective agevole (easy, manageable, or comfortable), which in turn stems from the noun agio (ease or leisure), the verb carries an inherent sense of removing friction or obstacles from a process. While 'aiutare' (to help) is the generic workhorse of the Italian language, agevolare is the precision tool used when you want to describe the act of smoothing a path, whether that path is physical, bureaucratic, or conceptual.

The Bureaucratic Context
In Italian administrative and legal language, you will constantly encounter 'agevolazioni.' These are incentives or tax breaks designed to agevolare certain behaviors, such as buying a first home or investing in green energy. Here, the verb means to provide a structural advantage that makes an action more feasible for the citizen.
The Physical Context
Imagine a crowded room where someone is trying to pass with a heavy tray. You might move a chair to agevolare il passaggio (to facilitate the passage). It implies a physical adjustment to allow for smoother movement.
The Interpersonal Context
In professional settings, a manager might agevolare la comunicazione between departments. This doesn't just mean they are 'helping'; it means they are actively implementing systems or protocols to ensure information flows without interruption.

Il nuovo software è stato progettato per agevolare il lavoro dei dipendenti, riducendo i tempi di inserimento dati.

Translation: The new software was designed to facilitate the employees' work, reducing data entry times.

Understanding agevolare requires recognizing its relationship with the concept of 'fluency.' When you agevolano something, you are ensuring it flows better. It is less about doing the work for someone else (which 'aiutare' might imply) and more about creating the conditions under which the work can be done more effectively. In the Italian business world, saying 'Voglio agevolare questo processo' sounds much more professional and proactive than 'Voglio aiutare questo processo.'

Dobbiamo agevolare l'integrazione dei nuovi arrivati attraverso corsi di lingua gratuiti.

Translation: We must facilitate the integration of newcomers through free language courses.

Finally, consider its use in the passive voice. 'Il compito è stato agevolato da...' (The task was made easier by...). This construction is common in academic writing to describe variables that positively influenced a result. It is a verb that suggests intelligence and strategic planning behind the action. You don't just happen to agevolare; you usually do it with intention to improve efficiency.

Using agevolare correctly involves understanding its transitive nature. In Italian, you agevolate something or someone directly. It does not require a preposition like 'a' or 'di' before the direct object. This makes it structurally similar to the English 'to facilitate.' However, the variety of objects it can take is broad, ranging from abstract concepts like 'development' to concrete objects like 'transit.'

With Abstract Nouns (The Most Common Use)
You will often see it paired with words like sviluppo (development), comprensione (understanding), or commercio (trade). Example: 'Queste riforme mirano ad agevolare lo sviluppo economico.' (These reforms aim to facilitate economic development.)
With People (Providing a Benefit)
When the object is a person, it often implies giving them a head start or a specific advantage. Example: 'Il professore ha cercato di agevolare gli studenti meno preparati.' (The professor tried to help/ease the way for the less prepared students.)

Per agevolare la vostra ricerca, abbiamo organizzato i documenti in ordine cronologico.

Translation: To facilitate your research, we have organized the documents in chronological order.

One of the most important grammatical aspects to master is the use of agevolare with an infinitive. Unlike 'aiutare,' which often takes 'a' (aiutare a fare qualcosa), agevolare is more frequently followed by a noun phrase. If you want to use it with an action, you would typically say 'agevolare il compito di...' or 'agevolare l'esecuzione di...' rather than following it directly with another verb. This reinforces its formal, noun-heavy register.

Le autorità hanno deciso di agevolare il traffico aprendo una corsia preferenziale.

Translation: The authorities decided to facilitate traffic by opening a priority lane.

In the business world, you might hear: 'Dobbiamo agevolare l'incontro tra domanda e offerta.' This is a classic economic phrase meaning to make it easier for buyers and sellers to find each other. Notice how the verb elevates the sentence from a simple 'we need to help' to a strategic 'we need to facilitate.' It suggests a systemic approach rather than a one-off favor.

You will encounter agevolare in specific domains of Italian life where precision and formality are valued. It is not a word you would typically shout across a football pitch or use while joking with friends at a bar, but it is ubiquitous in professional, academic, and civic discourse.

On the News and in Newspapers
Journalists use agevolare to describe government actions or social trends. You might hear: 'Il governo vara nuove misure per agevolare le assunzioni dei giovani.' (The government launches new measures to facilitate the hiring of young people.) It sounds objective and authoritative.
In the Workplace
During meetings, a colleague might say, 'Ho preparato questo schema per agevolare la discussione.' (I prepared this diagram to facilitate the discussion.) It shows that the speaker has put thought into making the group's work more efficient.

Potrebbe agevolare la pratica consegnando i documenti entro domani?

Translation: Could you expedite the process by handing in the documents by tomorrow?

In Italian airports or train stations, you might hear announcements like: 'Si prega di tenere i documenti a portata di mano per agevolare i controlli di sicurezza.' (Please keep your documents handy to facilitate security checks.) This is the quintessential 'public service' use of the word—asking for cooperation to make a collective process faster.

L'uso delle tecnologie digitali può agevolare l'apprendimento delle lingue straniere.

Translation: The use of digital technologies can facilitate the learning of foreign languages.

Lastly, in the world of customer service, a representative might say, 'Cosa posso fare per agevolare la sua richiesta?' (What can I do to facilitate/expedite your request?) It is a polite, professional way to offer help without sounding overly familiar. It places the focus on the 'pratica' (the file/request) rather than just the person.

For English speakers, the most common pitfall when using agevolare is confusing it with the simple 'to help' (aiutare) or 'to make' (rendere). While they are related, they are not interchangeable in every context. Using agevolare where 'aiutare' is required can make you sound strangely formal, like a robot or a bureaucrat.

Mistake 1: Over-formalizing Personal Help
If a friend is carrying heavy bags, you shouldn't say 'Ti agevolo con le borse.' This sounds like you are offering them a tax credit for their groceries. Instead, use 'Ti aiuto con le borse.' Use agevolare for processes, not for physical labor shared between friends.
Mistake 2: Preposition Confusion
English speakers often want to say 'agevolare a...' because they are thinking of 'helping to...' or 'facilitating to...' In Italian, agevolare is transitive. You agevolate the action (the noun). Avoid saying 'Agevolare a finire'; say 'Agevolare la conclusione.'

Sbagliato: L'insegnante agevola agli studenti.
Corretto: L'insegnante agevola gli studenti.

Note: Like 'facilitate,' it takes a direct object. No 'a' is needed before the person.

Another error involves the reflexive form. While 'agevolarsi' exists, it is rare. If you want to say 'to make things easier for oneself,' Italians usually say 'facilitarsi le cose' or 'rendersi le cose più facili.' Using 'agevolarsi' can sound clumsy unless used in very specific technical contexts. Stick to the active form where you are the agent facilitating something else.

Sbagliato: Questa mappa mi agevola a trovare la strada.
Corretto: Questa mappa mi agevola nel trovare la strada.

Note: Use 'nel' + infinitive or just the noun 'la ricerca della strada'.

Finally, remember the pronunciation. The 'g' is soft (like 'j' in 'job') because it is followed by 'e'. Many learners accidentally give it a hard 'g' sound. It is ah-jeh-voh-LAH-reh. Getting the rhythm right helps convey the professional tone the word demands.

Italian is rich with verbs that describe the act of making things easier or helping. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the context and the level of formality you wish to achieve. Agevolare sits at the higher end of the formality scale.

Facilitare vs. Agevolare
These are often synonyms. However, facilitare is more 'neutral' and can be used for simple tasks (facilitare un compito). Agevolare implies providing a specific advantage, benefit, or removing a structural hurdle. If you give someone a discount, you are agevolando their purchase.
Favorire
This means 'to favor' or 'to promote.' It is used when one thing creates a positive environment for another. 'Il clima caldo favorisce la crescita delle piante.' (The warm climate favors plant growth.) It is less about active 'easing' and more about 'creating favorable conditions.'
Semplificare
This means 'to simplify.' While agevolare makes a process smoother, semplificare actually reduces the complexity of the process itself. You agevolate a journey by buying a fast ticket; you simplify it by removing unnecessary stops.

Possiamo agevolare i pagamenti accettando le criptovalute.

Alternative: 'Possiamo rendere più semplici i pagamenti...' (More informal).

In a legal or financial context, you might use incentivare (to incentivize). While agevolare focuses on making the action easier, incentivare focuses on providing a motive or reward for doing it. They are often used together in policy discussions: 'Dobbiamo agevolare l'accesso al credito per incentivare gli investimenti.'

L'uso di un linguaggio chiaro serve ad agevolare la comprensione del testo.

Translation: The use of clear language serves to facilitate the understanding of the text.

When you want to sound like a native speaker who understands the nuances of Italian social structures, use agevolare when talking about bureaucracy, logistics, and official processes. It marks you as an advanced learner who recognizes that not all 'help' is created equal.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Il presente decreto mira ad agevolare la capitalizzazione delle imprese."

Neutral

"Abbiamo aggiunto dei cartelli per agevolare i turisti."

Informal

"Ti agevolo un po' il lavoro, così finisci prima."

Child friendly

"La mamma ha messo uno sgabello per agevolare il bambino che vuole lavarsi i denti."

Slang

"Dagli una spinta, vedi di agevolarlo!"

Fun Fact

The word is a first cousin to 'agio' (leisure). In the Middle Ages, having 'agio' meant having the space and time to do things without being rushed, which is exactly what 'agevolare' tries to provide to others.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.dʒe.vo.'la.re/
US /a.dʒe.vo.'la.re/
The primary stress is on the 'la' (agevoLAre). In conjugated forms like 'agevolo', the stress shifts to the 'e' (aGÉvolo).
Rhymes With
parlare mangiare andare volare pensare trovare chiamare lavorare
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' (like 'goat'). It should be soft (like 'gem').
  • Stressing the wrong syllable in the infinitive (e.g., saying ageVÒlare instead of agevoLAre).
  • Forgetting to tap the 'r' at the end.
  • Confusing the vowel 'o' with a 'u' sound.
  • Missing the double 'l' sound (though agevolare only has one 'l', learners sometimes overcompensate).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in newspapers and official signs, but requires B1+ vocabulary context.

Writing 4/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding overly formal or robotic if misplaced.

Speaking 4/5

Requires careful conjugation and understanding of appropriate social registers.

Listening 3/5

Recognizable once you know the root 'agevole', but often spoken fast in announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

agio facile aiutare lavoro strada

Learn Next

facilitare ostacolare incentivare promuovere snellire

Advanced

interoperabilità burocratizzazione fiscalità infrastruttura mediazione

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Usage

Agevolare + Direct Object (e.g., Agevolare il lavoro).

Stress shift in -are verbs

Io agévolo (stress on 2nd syllable) vs Agevolàre (stress on 4th).

Passive voice with 'essere'

Il progetto è stato agevolato dai fondi europei.

Infinitive as a noun

L'agevolare (the act of facilitating) è un compito nobile.

Subjunctive for desire/hope

Spero che questo agevoli la situazione.

Examples by Level

1

Il papà aiuta il bambino per agevolare il gioco.

Dad helps the child to make the game easier.

Simple present tense.

2

Usa questa penna per agevolare la scrittura.

Use this pen to make writing easier.

Imperative mood.

3

Dobbiamo agevolare il compito.

We must make the task easier.

Modal verb 'dovere' + infinitive.

4

Questo libro serve ad agevolare lo studio.

This book serves to facilitate study.

Preposition 'ad' before 'agevolare'.

5

Il maestro agevola gli alunni.

The teacher facilitates the pupils.

Direct object 'gli alunni'.

6

Puoi agevolare il mio lavoro?

Can you facilitate my work?

Interrogative sentence.

7

L'acqua calda agevola la pulizia.

Hot water facilitates cleaning.

Subject-verb agreement.

8

Voglio agevolare il tuo viaggio.

I want to facilitate your trip.

Volitional verb 'volere'.

1

Hanno aperto un nuovo sportello per agevolare i cittadini.

They opened a new counter to facilitate the citizens.

Passato prossimo.

2

Per agevolare il transito, restate a destra.

To facilitate transit, stay to the right.

Imperative plural.

3

Questa app agevola la ricerca dei ristoranti.

This app facilitates the search for restaurants.

Present tense.

4

Dobbiamo agevolare l'ingresso degli ospiti.

We must facilitate the entrance of the guests.

Infinitive after modal.

5

Il governo vuole agevolare le piccole imprese.

The government wants to facilitate small businesses.

Direct object 'le piccole imprese'.

6

Usa il computer per agevolare il calcolo.

Use the computer to facilitate the calculation.

Imperative singular.

7

Il ponte è stato costruito per agevolare il commercio.

The bridge was built to facilitate trade.

Passive voice.

8

Le mappe agevolano il turismo nella città.

Maps facilitate tourism in the city.

Plural subject.

1

Il nuovo regolamento serve ad agevolare le procedure burocratiche.

The new regulation serves to facilitate bureaucratic procedures.

Use of 'servire a' + infinitive.

2

L'azienda offre bonus per agevolare il trasferimento dei dipendenti.

The company offers bonuses to facilitate the relocation of employees.

Present tense.

3

Abbiamo bisogno di strumenti che possano agevolare la produzione.

We need tools that can facilitate production.

Subjunctive mood in relative clause.

4

Il mediatore ha cercato di agevolare l'accordo tra le parti.

The mediator tried to facilitate the agreement between the parties.

Passato prossimo.

5

Queste riforme agevoleranno sicuramente la crescita economica.

These reforms will surely facilitate economic growth.

Future tense.

6

Il software è stato aggiornato per agevolare l'esperienza utente.

The software was updated to facilitate the user experience.

Passive voice with 'per' + infinitive.

7

Potrebbe agevolare la mia richiesta parlando con il direttore?

Could you facilitate my request by speaking with the director?

Conditional mood for politeness.

8

Si spera che il bel tempo agevoli i lavori di costruzione.

It is hoped that the good weather facilitates the construction work.

Subjunctive mood after 'si spera che'.

1

Le agevolazioni fiscali mirano ad agevolare l'acquisto della prima casa.

Tax incentives aim to facilitate the purchase of the first home.

Noun 'agevolazioni' related to the verb.

2

È necessario agevolare l'accesso ai servizi sanitari per gli anziani.

It is necessary to facilitate access to health services for the elderly.

Impersonal construction 'è necessario'.

3

Il docente ha fornito una dispensa per agevolare la preparazione dell'esame.

The professor provided a handout to facilitate exam preparation.

Passato prossimo.

4

La digitalizzazione dei documenti agevolerà notevolmente l'archiviazione.

The digitization of documents will significantly facilitate archiving.

Future tense with adverb 'notevolmente'.

5

Bisogna agevolare il dialogo tra generazioni diverse.

It is necessary to facilitate dialogue between different generations.

Impersonal 'bisogna'.

6

L'uso di droni potrebbe agevolare le operazioni di soccorso in montagna.

The use of drones could facilitate rescue operations in the mountains.

Conditional mood.

7

Il comune ha rimosso i blocchi per agevolare il flusso del traffico.

The municipality removed the blocks to facilitate traffic flow.

Passato prossimo.

8

Questa legge è stata pensata per agevolare il reinserimento lavorativo.

This law was designed to facilitate re-entry into the workforce.

Passive voice with past participle 'pensata'.

1

L'adozione di standard comuni serve ad agevolare l'interoperabilità dei sistemi.

The adoption of common standards serves to facilitate system interoperability.

Technical terminology.

2

Tali provvedimenti sono volti ad agevolare la transizione ecologica del paese.

Such measures are aimed at facilitating the country's ecological transition.

Formal expression 'sono volti a'.

3

La flessibilità degli orari può agevolare la conciliazione tra vita e lavoro.

Flexible hours can facilitate the reconciliation between life and work.

Abstract noun phrase 'conciliazione tra vita e lavoro'.

4

Si dovrebbero agevolare i percorsi formativi per i rifugiati politici.

Training paths for political refugees should be facilitated.

Passive 'si' with conditional 'dovrebbero'.

5

L'abbattimento delle barriere architettoniche agevola la mobilità dei disabili.

The removal of architectural barriers facilitates the mobility of the disabled.

Formal noun 'abbattimento'.

6

Il contesto macroeconomico non sembra agevolare nuovi investimenti esteri.

The macroeconomic context does not seem to facilitate new foreign investments.

Negative construction with 'sembrare'.

7

La chiarezza espositiva del relatore ha agevolato la comprensione di temi complessi.

The speaker's clarity of presentation facilitated the understanding of complex topics.

Subject-verb-object with abstract nouns.

8

Occorre agevolare lo scambio di informazioni tra le diverse intelligence.

It is necessary to facilitate the exchange of information between different intelligence agencies.

Formal impersonal 'occorre'.

1

La normativa vigente tende ad agevolare le holding a scapito delle piccole realtà.

Current legislation tends to facilitate holdings at the expense of small entities.

Idiom 'a scapito di'.

2

Il trattato internazionale mira ad agevolare la libera circolazione di merci e capitali.

The international treaty aims to facilitate the free movement of goods and capital.

Legal/Diplomatic register.

3

Sarebbe opportuno che il legislatore intervenisse per agevolare lo snellimento della giustizia.

It would be appropriate for the legislator to intervene to facilitate the streamlining of justice.

Congiuntivo imperfetto after 'sarebbe opportuno che'.

4

La sintesi proteica è agevolata dalla presenza di specifici catalizzatori enzimatici.

Protein synthesis is facilitated by the presence of specific enzymatic catalysts.

Scientific passive voice.

5

Non si può prescindere da politiche che agevolino l'inclusione sociale delle minoranze.

One cannot ignore policies that facilitate the social inclusion of minorities.

Relative clause with subjunctive 'agevolino'.

6

L'armonizzazione delle tariffe doganali agevolerà l'espansione dei mercati emergenti.

The harmonization of customs tariffs will facilitate the expansion of emerging markets.

Future tense with complex subject.

7

Le dinamiche di gruppo possono essere agevolate da una leadership empatica.

Group dynamics can be facilitated by empathetic leadership.

Passive construction with 'essere agevolate'.

8

L'impianto normativo è volto ad agevolare la trasparenza degli atti amministrativi.

The regulatory framework is aimed at facilitating the transparency of administrative acts.

Formal bureaucratic terminology.

Common Collocations

agevolare il compito
agevolare il transito
agevolare l'accesso
agevolare lo sviluppo
agevolare la comunicazione
agevolare l'integrazione
agevolare il commercio
agevolare la comprensione
agevolare il flusso
agevolare le assunzioni

Common Phrases

Per agevolare la pratica

— Used when asking for documents or steps to speed up a file or application.

Per agevolare la pratica, firmi qui.

Agevolare il lavoro di qualcuno

— To make someone's job easier by helping or providing tools.

Voglio agevolare il lavoro del mio assistente.

Agevolare lo scambio

— To make an exchange (of goods or info) smoother.

Questa piattaforma agevola lo scambio di dati.

Agevolare l'incontro

— To make it easier for people or concepts to meet.

L'evento serve ad agevolare l'incontro tra esperti.

Agevolare la crescita

— To facilitate growth, usually economic or personal.

Dobbiamo agevolare la crescita delle start-up.

Agevolare il passaggio

— To make it easier for someone or something to pass through.

Spostati per agevolare il passaggio della barella.

Agevolare la ricerca

— To make searching or scientific research easier.

I nuovi archivi agevolano la ricerca storica.

Agevolare il dialogo

— To foster and ease communication between parties.

Il presidente ha cercato di agevolare il dialogo.

Agevolare l'esecuzione

— To facilitate the carrying out of a plan or command.

Questi strumenti agevolano l'esecuzione del progetto.

Agevolare la visione

— To make it easier to see something (e.g., lighting).

Hanno acceso le luci per agevolare la visione dello schermo.

Often Confused With

agevolare vs aggiornare

Sounds slightly similar but means 'to update.' Don't confuse 'facilitating' with 'updating' a file.

agevolare vs accelerare

Means 'to speed up.' While agevolare often results in speed, its primary meaning is 'easiness'.

agevolare vs agghindare

Means 'to dress up/embellish.' Completely different meaning despite the 'ag-' start.

Idioms & Expressions

"Agevolare il gioco a qualcuno"

— To inadvertently or intentionally make things easier for an opponent or someone else.

Con quel commento, hai agevolato il gioco ai tuoi rivali.

neutral
"Agevolare la strada"

— To pave the way for someone's success.

Suo padre gli ha agevolato la strada nel mondo del cinema.

informal/neutral
"Agevolare la caduta"

— To help bring about someone's failure or downfall.

Lo scandalo ha agevolato la caduta del governo.

journalistic
"Agevolare l'uscita"

— To help someone leave a position or a place, often politely but firmly.

L'azienda ha agevolato l'uscita dei dirigenti anziani.

corporate
"Agevolare la mano"

— To assist a physical movement, usually in crafts or sports.

L'allenatore gli agevolava la mano durante il tiro.

technical
"Agevolare la pillola"

— A variation of 'sweeten the pill'; making bad news easier to take.

Hanno usato parole gentili per agevolare la pillola del licenziamento.

informal
"Agevolare il compito della sorte"

— To take risks that make it easy for bad luck to strike.

Non guidare così veloce, non agevolare il compito della sorte.

literary
"Agevolare il passo"

— To speed up one's walking pace.

Dobbiamo agevolare il passo se vogliamo arrivare in tempo.

literary
"Agevolare l'intesa"

— To work towards a common understanding.

Le trattative servono ad agevolare l'intesa tra i sindacati.

formal
"Agevolare la vista"

— To clarify or improve visibility.

Pulire i vetri serve ad agevolare la vista.

neutral

Easily Confused

agevolare vs Facilitare

They are nearly synonyms.

Facilitare is more general. Agevolare often implies a structural benefit or a legal/economic incentive.

Facilitare un compito vs Agevolare un investimento.

agevolare vs Favorire

Both mean things go better.

Favorire is often used for passive influences (climate, luck), while agevolare is an active intervention.

Il sole favorisce i fiori. Il governo agevola le tasse.

agevolare vs Aiutare

Broadest term for help.

Aiutare is personal and physical. Agevolare is systemic and procedural.

Aiutami a salire. Agevola la mia pratica.

agevolare vs Semplificare

Both make things 'easier'.

Semplificare reduces complexity. Agevolare removes friction from the existing process.

Semplifica la ricetta. Agevola la consegna.

agevolare vs Incentivare

Often used in the same context.

Incentivare provides a reason to do something. Agevolare provides the means to do it easily.

Incentivare le vendite. Agevolare i trasporti.

Sentence Patterns

B1

Per agevolare [Noun], [Main Clause]

Per agevolare la festa, ho comprato tutto ieri.

B2

[Subject] mira ad agevolare [Object]

La legge mira ad agevolare le assunzioni.

C1

È opportuno agevolare [Abstract Noun]

È opportuno agevolare lo scambio culturale.

C2

[Action] è stata agevolata dal verificarsi di [Condition]

L'intesa è stata agevolata dal verificarsi di condizioni favorevoli.

A2

Usa [Tool] per agevolare [Task]

Usa il navigatore per agevolare il viaggio.

B1

Non vogliamo ostacolare, ma agevolare

Non vogliamo ostacolare il tuo lavoro, ma agevolarlo.

B2

Agevolare qualcuno nel fare qualcosa

Ti agevolo nel trovare una sistemazione.

C1

Agevolare l'accesso a [Service]

Dobbiamo agevolare l'accesso all'istruzione superiore.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and formal written Italian; moderate in spoken Italian.

Common Mistakes
  • Agevolare a fare qualcosa Agevolare il fare qualcosa / Agevolare nel fare qualcosa

    Agevolare is transitive and doesn't take 'a' like 'aiutare' does.

  • Using it for simple physical help (e.g., helping a friend walk). Ti aiuto a camminare.

    Agevolare sounds too bureaucratic for intimate physical help.

  • Hard G pronunciation. Soft G (like 'jeep').

    G followed by E is always soft in Italian.

  • Confusing with 'Aggiornare'. Agevolare (facilitate) vs Aggiornare (update).

    They sound similar to English ears but have no semantic connection.

  • Using 'Agevolare' as 'To provide'. Fornire/Dare.

    You don't 'agevolare' a document to someone; you 'agevolare' the process by giving the document.

Tips

Use in Emails

When writing to a customer service agent, use 'Per agevolare la vostra gestione...' (To facilitate your management...) to sound professional and helpful.

Direct Object

Never put a preposition after 'agevolare' when followed by a noun. It's 'agevolare lo sviluppo,' not 'agevolare allo sviluppo.'

Noun Connection

Learn 'agevolazione' alongside the verb. You will see it on almost every Italian bill or government website.

Soft G

Practice saying 'agio' (AH-joh) first. The 'g' in 'agevolare' is exactly the same sound.

Sound Smart

Replacing 'aiutare' with 'agevolare' in a job interview when talking about processes will instantly boost your perceived level.

Travel Tip

Look for 'agevolazioni' on museum websites; it often marks the section for student or senior discounts.

Avoid Repetition

If you've already used 'facilitare' in a paragraph, switch to 'agevolare' to vary your vocabulary.

Agile Age

Remember: An 'Agile' person 'agevola' their work.

Radio Clues

When you hear 'misure per agevolare...' on the radio, get ready to hear about new laws or economic changes.

Passive Voice

In scientific papers, use 'agevolato da' to describe how a catalyst works. It sounds very natural.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Age-Volare'. If you 'agevolare' a process, you make it 'fly' (volare) through the 'ages' (time) faster.

Visual Association

Imagine a person oiling the gears of a complex machine. The oil is the act of 'agevolare', making the gears turn without friction.

Word Web

Facilitare Semplificare Aiutare Favorire Incentivare Promuovere Accelerare Snellire

Challenge

Try to use 'agevolare' in a sentence about your daily routine. For example: 'Uso una sveglia luminosa per agevolare il mio risveglio' (I use a light alarm to facilitate my waking up).

Word Origin

From the Italian adjective 'agevole' (easy/nimble), which comes from the Latin 'agibilis' (doable/manageable), derived from 'agere' (to do/to drive).

Original meaning: To make something doable or manageable.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it for personal favors among very close friends where it might sound sarcastic or overly cold.

English speakers often use 'facilitate' only in very formal business meetings. In Italy, 'agevolare' is slightly more common in everyday bureaucratic interactions (like at the post office).

Legal texts of the Italian Republic (Costituzione Italiana) often use 'agevolare' regarding the right to education. Italian Economic News (Il Sole 24 Ore) uses it daily regarding market incentives. Dante Alighieri used 'agevole' in the Divine Comedy to describe easy paths.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Bureaucracy

  • Agevolare la pratica
  • Agevolazioni fiscali
  • Agevolare l'iter burocratico
  • Agevolare la domanda

Transport

  • Agevolare il transito
  • Agevolare il flusso
  • Agevolare l'imbarco
  • Agevolare il passaggio

Business

  • Agevolare il commercio
  • Agevolare le trattative
  • Agevolare i pagamenti
  • Agevolare lo sviluppo

Education

  • Agevolare l'apprendimento
  • Agevolare lo studio
  • Agevolare la comprensione
  • Agevolare l'inclusione

Social Services

  • Agevolare l'accesso ai servizi
  • Agevolare le famiglie
  • Agevolare i disabili
  • Agevolare l'integrazione

Conversation Starters

"Quali misure dovrebbe prendere il governo per agevolare il lavoro dei giovani?"

"Pensi che la tecnologia possa davvero agevolare la nostra vita quotidiana?"

"In che modo possiamo agevolare la comunicazione in questo ufficio?"

"C'è qualcosa che posso fare per agevolare il tuo trasferimento in Italia?"

"Quali sono le principali agevolazioni per chi vuole aprire una start-up?"

Journal Prompts

Descrivi una situazione in cui qualcuno ha agevolato il tuo percorso professionale o scolastico.

Rifletti su come la digitalizzazione ha agevolato (o complicato) i tuoi rapporti personali.

Se fossi il sindaco della tua città, quali processi vorresti agevolare per i cittadini?

Scrivi di un momento in cui hai cercato di agevolare il compito di un amico in difficoltà.

Analizza l'importanza delle agevolazioni fiscali per la protezione dell'ambiente.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. In casual conversation with friends, you would use 'aiutare' or 'rendere facile.' However, you might use 'agevolare' semi-formally at work or when dealing with businesses.

Yes, but it sounds like you are facilitating a path or a movement rather than just lending a hand. 'Agevolare il passaggio' (to clear the way) is a common physical use.

It is a tax incentive or tax break. It is the most common noun form of the verb you will see in Italian news.

Io agevolo, tu agevoli, lui/lei agevola, noi agevoliamo, voi agevolate, loro agevolano. Note the stress on the 'e' in the singular and 3rd person plural.

It is transitive. It takes a direct object. 'Agevolo il tuo lavoro' (I facilitate your work), not 'Agevolo al tuo lavoro'.

Yes, 'agevolarsi,' but it is rarely used. Usually, people say 'facilitarsi le cose' if they want to say they made things easier for themselves.

They are very close. 'Agevolare' is often preferred in legal and economic contexts, while 'facilitare' is more common for tasks and learning.

Yes, very common in academic writing: 'L'operazione è stata agevolata da...' (The operation was facilitated by...).

It comes from 'agio,' meaning ease or leisure. It essentially means 'to put someone at ease' regarding a task.

Yes, especially in the media, in government communications, and in corporate environments. Every Italian knows this word.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Scrivi una frase usando 'agevolare' in un contesto lavorativo.

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Usa 'agevolare' per descrivere un'azione del governo.

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writing

Traduci: 'To facilitate the movement of people.'

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writing

Scrivi una frase con 'agevolare' al futuro semplice.

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writing

Usa 'agevolare' in una richiesta formale.

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Spiega il significato di 'agevolazioni fiscali' in una frase.

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Scrivi una frase con 'agevolare' e 'tecnologia'.

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writing

Traduci: 'The teacher facilitates learning.'

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writing

Usa 'agevolare' al condizionale presente.

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writing

Scrivi una frase negativa con 'agevolare'.

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writing

Usa 'agevolare' in un contesto di viaggio.

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Scrivi una frase usando il participio passato 'agevolato'.

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Traduci: 'To facilitate communication between departments.'

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Usa 'agevolare' per parlare di sport.

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Scrivi una frase con 'agevolare' e 'comprensione'.

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Usa 'agevolare' in un contesto di inclusione sociale.

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Scrivi una frase con 'agevolare' al passato prossimo.

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Traduci: 'This measure will facilitate trade.'

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writing

Usa 'agevolare' in una frase ipotetica (se...).

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Scrivi una frase con 'agevolare' e 'accesso'.

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speaking

Spiega a un collega come un nuovo software può 'agevolare' il vostro lavoro.

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Proponi al tuo capo un'idea per 'agevolare' la comunicazione in ufficio.

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Chiedi informazioni su eventuali 'agevolazioni' per studenti in un museo.

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Descrivi come una mappa ti ha 'agevolato' durante il tuo ultimo viaggio.

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Parla dell'importanza di 'agevolare' l'accesso ai disabili negli edifici pubblici.

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Cosa diresti per 'agevolare' il passaggio di qualcuno in un corridoio affollato?

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Esprimi la tua opinione sulle 'agevolazioni fiscali' per le auto elettriche.

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Spiega come un insegnante può 'agevolare' l'apprendimento di una lingua.

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Chiedi a un impiegato postale come 'agevolare' la spedizione di un pacco.

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Discuti i vantaggi di 'agevolare' il lavoro da casa (smart working).

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Usa 'agevolare' per parlare di un progetto di volontariato.

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Cosa faresti per 'agevolare' la crescita di una piccola impresa?

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Parla di un'app che ti 'agevola' la vita ogni giorno.

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Come può lo sport 'agevolare' l'integrazione tra i giovani?

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Chiedi a un amico se può 'agevolare' il tuo incontro con una persona importante.

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Descrivi un'azione che 'agevola' il risparmio energetico.

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Spiega perché è importante 'agevolare' il dialogo tra genitori e figli.

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Cosa diresti per 'agevolare' la decisione di un cliente indeciso?

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Parla di come le biblioteche 'agevolano' l'accesso alla conoscenza.

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Usa 'agevolare' per descrivere il ruolo di un navigatore GPS.

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listening

Ascolta e scrivi il verbo: 'Dobbiamo ________ lo sviluppo.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Le ________ fiscali sono utili.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Sposta la sedia per ________ il passaggio.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Il clima ________ la crescita.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Voglio ________ il tuo compito.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Le riforme ________ l'economia.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'La mappa ________ il turismo.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Potrebbe ________ la mia pratica?'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Dobbiamo ________ l'integrazione.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Usa schemi per ________ lo studio.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Il software ________ l'utente.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Il mediatore ________ l'accordo.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Hanno aperto lo sportello per ________ i cittadini.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'L'insegnante ________ gli alunni.'

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Ascolta e scrivi: 'Il buio non ________ la vista.'

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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