Quote by Ambrose Bierce

Belladonna, n.: In Italian a beautiful lady; in English a deadly poison. A striking example of the essential identity of the two tongues.

Belladonna, n.: In Italian a beautiful lady; in English a de

Summary

This quote is a witty statement highlighting the contrast between the meanings of the word "Belladonna" in Italian and English. In Italian, "belladonna" translates to "beautiful lady," emphasizing beauty and elegance. However, in English, it refers to a toxic plant known as "deadly poison." The quote suggests that this difference in meaning reflects the inherent connection and similarity between the two languages, showcasing an example where words in different tongues can hold vastly different connotations.

By Ambrose Bierce

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