Elvként

Elvként is a Hungarian grammatical construction formed from the noun elv (principle, doctrine) plus the suffix -ként, which marks function or status as "in the capacity of" or "as." It is used to indicate that something should be regarded, interpreted, or applied as a guiding principle rather than as a mere fact or rule.

Usage and meaning: Elvként is common in philosophical, legal, ethical, political, and academic writing. It typically accompanies verbs such as tekinteni (to regard), kezelni (to treat), értelmezni (to interpret), or használni (to use). For example, "Ezt elvként kell tekinteni" means "This must be regarded as a principle." The form can also appear in more formal expressions like "alapelveket elvként kezelik" (the fundamental principles are treated as guiding principles). In everyday language, the synonyms alapelveként or alapelvként are often used to convey the same idea with slight stylistic differences.

Etymology and grammar: The word is built from elv plus the suffix -ként, a common Hungarian way to express role or function. The construction is largely neutral and primarily appears in formal or analytic prose, where distinguishing between empirical statements and normative principles matters.

Notes: Elvként helps frame normative positions, methodological assumptions, or ethical guidelines. It contrasts with phrases that indicate mere adherence to rules or descriptions of facts, highlighting the principled basis of a statement or action.