Elhatározza

Elhatározza is a Hungarian verb meaning to decide or to resolve to do something. It denotes a firm, intentional decision and is often used when someone commits to a course of action. The action can be expressed with a subordinate clause introduced by hogy, as in elhatározza, hogy megteszi vagy elhatározza magát, hogy megvalósítja a tervet.

Etymology and form. The word is formed from the verb határoz (to determine) with the prefix el-, which adds a sense of completion or definiteness, yielding elhatározza in the 3rd person singular present. The infinitive is elhatározni, the past tense forms include elhatározta, and other conjugations follow the standard Hungarian verb conjugation patterns. The construction is typically transitive in sense, governing a following clause rather than a direct object.

Usage notes. Elhatározza is commonly used with a following hogy-clause to specify the intended action, for example: Ő elhatározza, hogy többet edz. It can also appear with magát to emphasize personal commitment: Ő elhatározta magát, hogy feljebb lép a karrierben. The word carries a stronger sense of determination than simple dönt or határoz, and it often implies a deliberate, long-term or substantial decision.

Related terms. Synonyms include eldönt, elhatározódik (becomes determined), and határoz. The antonym is meggondolja magát (changes one’s mind). The noun form is elhatározás (a decision or resolution).

See also. Hungarian verbs of volition and determination, usage of hogy-clauses in Hungarian, grammar of prefixal verbs with el- in Hungarian.