Elönti

Elönti is a Hungarian verb meaning to flood, overflow, or spill over. It is the third-person singular present tense form of the infinitive elönteni (to flood/overflow). The infinitive is built from the root önt- meaning to pour, with the prefix el- adding a sense of completion or outward movement. The form elönti thus corresponds to “he/she/it floods/overflows.”

Etymology and grammar: elönteni combines the rootönt with the prefix el-, common in Hungarian to indicate an action that spreads outward or becomes complete. In everyday use, elönti typically refers to liquids overflowing a container or surface, such as rain or water overflowing into an area. It can also be extended to describe a strong, overwhelming effect in a physical or metaphorical sense, although literal liquid overflow is most common.

Usage and examples: The term is frequently used for tangible flooding scenarios. For example, Az eső elönti az utcát means “The rain floods the street.” A patak elönti a kertet translates to “The brook floods the garden.” In figurative contexts, elönti can be used to suggest something overwhelming, though speakers may choose more common expressions depending on the situation.

Related forms and translations: The related verb elönteni (infinitive) gives other forms such as elöntöm – I flood, elöntesz – you flood, elöntjük – we flood, and elöntik – they flood. Related nouns include elöntés (overflow, flooding) and elöntő (one who overflows). Translations to English include flood, overflow, and spill over, depending on context.

See also: önt (to pour), öntés (pouring), elöntés (overflow), árvíz (flood).