Elvigyázatos

Elvigyázatos is an Hungarian adjective describing someone who is excessively careful or prudent, especially in situations involving risk or uncertainty. The term often carries a nuance suggesting that the caution is beyond what is practically warranted, and it can imply hesitation or slowed decision-making.

Etymology and form: The word is formed by adding the prefix el- to vigyázatos, the base adjective meaning careful or vigilant. The el- prefix intensifies the sense of caution and can convey excess or thoroughness in being careful. It can modify a person or a situation, and its degree of emphasis can vary with context.

Usage: It is typically used to describe behavior or decisions. Common collocations include elvigyázatos döntés (an overly cautious decision) and elvigyázatos magatartás (overly cautious behavior). The adverbial form is elvigyázatosan, meaning cautiously or with excessive caution. In everyday language, the term can carry a mildly humorous or critical tone when caution is seen as counterproductive.

Examples: A projektet elvigyázatosan kezelik, hogy elkerüljék a kockázatokat. Ő elvigyázatosan közelítette meg a feladatot, először felmérve minden lehetőséget.

See also: vigyázatos, óvatos, körültekintő; vigyázatosság, óvatosság.