gregale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (meteorology, geography, sailing), Formal
Quick answer
What does “gregale” mean?
A strong, cold north-easterly wind that blows across the central Mediterranean, primarily affecting Malta, Sicily, and the surrounding regions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, cold north-easterly wind that blows across the central Mediterranean, primarily affecting Malta, Sicily, and the surrounding regions.
In meteorology and geography, a specific regional wind of characteristic force and direction, often associated with unsettled weather and rough seas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both variants.
Connotations
Technical, precise, and regional. Conveys specialized knowledge in meteorology, sailing, or Mediterranean geography.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in both British and American English. Likely encountered only in specialized texts, weather reports for the Mediterranean, or historical maritime accounts.
Grammar
How to Use “gregale” in a Sentence
The [gregale] [verb, e.g., blows, rages] from the [direction].A [modifier, e.g., strong] [gregale] [caused, brought, whipped up] [effect, e.g., high waves].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gregale” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form exists.]
American English
- [No verb form exists.]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form exists.]
American English
- [No adverb form exists.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'gregale' as a noun attributively: 'gregale conditions'.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'gregale' as a noun attributively: 'gregale force'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Potentially relevant only in shipping, logistics, or tourism sectors operating in the central Mediterranean.
Academic
Used in meteorology, climatology, physical geography, and historical studies of Mediterranean navigation.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by residents of affected regions (e.g., Malta) or sailing enthusiasts familiar with the area.
Technical
The primary register. Used in maritime weather forecasts, nautical charts, and meteorological reports for the Mediterranean.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gregale”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gregale”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gregale”
- Using 'gregale' to refer to any strong wind outside the central Mediterranean.
- Misspelling as 'gregal', 'gregalle', or 'gregali'.
- Incorrect pronunciation with a hard /g/ at the end (it's /li/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, technical term specific to meteorology and Mediterranean geography.
Primarily in the central Mediterranean Sea, notably affecting Malta, Sicily, the Ionian Sea, and the coasts of Italy and Greece in that region.
No, it is incorrect. 'Gregale' refers specifically to a regional wind phenomenon in the Mediterranean. Use terms like 'north-easterly gale' or 'storm' for the Atlantic.
It comes from Italian, deriving from 'greco' meaning 'Greek', referring to the wind's origin from the Greek sector (the north-east).
A strong, cold north-easterly wind that blows across the central Mediterranean, primarily affecting Malta, Sicily, and the surrounding regions.
Gregale is usually technical (meteorology, geography, sailing), formal in register.
Gregale: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrɪˈɡɑːli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrɛˈɡɑːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word is too technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GREG' (as in Gregory) sails in the 'ALE' (sea). Gregory sails from the north-east into the Mediterranean Ale and brings a cold GREG-ALE wind.
Conceptual Metaphor
WIND IS A FORCE (personified as aggressive or powerful). The gregale is often described as battering, lashing, or raging.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'gregale'?