Definition

A person who is a member of a secret criminal organization, often involved in illegal activities such as extortion, smuggling, or racketeering.

Example

The police arrested several mafiosos during the investigation into organized crime.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new movie with a mafioso as the main character?

Yeah, I heard it’s pretty intense and filled with drama.

I wonder how realistic the portrayal of a mafioso really is.

It’s probably exaggerated, but it makes for a good story!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mafioso → The word originates from Italian 'mafia', which is believed to derive from Sicilian dialect, possibly from 'màffia', meaning 'acting as a protector against the arrogance of the powerful'. The suffix '-oso' in Italian means 'full of' or 'characterized by'. Thus, 'mafioso' refers to a person characterized by or associated with the mafia.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'full of' the qualities associated with the mafia, as 'mafioso' describes a person involved in that world.

Visually Confused Words