Dôvodu

Dôvodu is the genitive singular form of the Slovak noun dôvod, which means reason or cause. The word is used in formal and written Slovak, and appears in constructions that require the genitive case, especially after prepositions such as z, bez, kvôli, or pri.

Usage and meaning

Dôvod refers to a justification or motive for an action, event, or state. It often contrasts with a mere factual cause (príčina) by emphasizing rationale or justification. Common phrases include z dôvodu (due to, on account of), bez dôvodu (without a reason), and z tohto dôvodu (for this reason). The form dôvodu is obligatory after certain prepositions and in fixed expressions that govern the genitive case.

Grammar notes

Dôvod is a masculine noun. Its genitive singular is dôvodu, genitive plural dôvodov, and nominative plural dôvody. In sentences, usage of dôvodu typically accompanies phrases indicating rationale or justification in formal prose: napríklad, Z dôvodu bezpečnosti sme pristúpili k opatreniam (For reasons of safety, we adopted measures).

Synonyms and related terms

Dôvod is closely related to príčina (cause) but is more oriented toward justification or motivation. In some contexts they are interchangeable, yet príčina often denotes an objective cause rather than a rationale.

Origins

The word dôvod is cognate with similar Slavic terms such as Czech důvod and Polish powód, sharing a common Proto-Slavic heritage. It has long been established in formal Slovak to express reasons or grounds for actions and decisions.

See also

Dôvody (plural), dôvodov (genitive plural). Commonly used phrases include z dôvodu, bez dôvodu, z tohto dôvodu.