This is the 370th most frequent Italian word.
preso
"Preso" means "taken" or "caught" in English.
'Preso' here is the past participle of the verb 'prendere,' used to indicate that an action of taking or acquiring (a book, in this case) has been completed in the past.
Ho preso un libro dalla biblioteca.
I borrowed a book from the library.
In this sentence, 'preso' is used in a figurative sense to represent being caught or affected by an emotion, emphasizing how 'prendere' can have varying metaphorical implications beyond its literal meaning.
Sono stato preso da un'emozione improvvisa.
I was overcome by a sudden emotion.
Here, 'preso' implies being chosen or selected, indicating its usages extend to imply selection or decision-making contexts.