According to the dictionary, both “dappertutto” and “ovunque” mean “everywhere”. What is the difference?
The difference between dappertutto and ovunque
Dappertutto / ovunque = everywhere
Both dappertutto and ovunque mean in ogni luogo, “everywhere”, and are interchangeable. This is an indefinite pronoun. Dappertutto and ovunque come after the verb.
| Ho cercato dappertutto / ovunque, ma non lo trovo. | I’ve looked everywhere, but I can’t find it. |
| Il mio cane mi segue dappertutto / ovunque. | My dog follows me everywhere. |
Note: Even though dappertutto and ovunque are interchangeable in usage, dappertutto is more correct in this function as an indefinite pronoun, since the actual meaning of ovunque is different (see immediately below).
Ovunque = wherever
Unlike dappertutto, however, ovunque also means in qualunque luogo dove “wherever” and is followed by a verb in congiuntivo. This is a relative pronoun.
| Ovunque si trovi, spero che stia bene. | Wherever he is, I hope he is doing well. |
| Il mio cane mi segue ovunque vada. | My dog follows me wherever I go. |
Ovunque = dovunque
By the way, there is no difference between ovunque and dovunque. Ovunque is just a little more literary.
