Engedetlen

Engedetlen is a Hungarian adjective that literally translates as “unjustifiable” or “without permission.” It is derived from the verb enged, meaning “to allow, to permit,” and the suffix –etlen, which negates the root, forming a word that connotes lack of permission or justification. In contemporary Hungarian, the word is used primarily to describe actions, motives, or statements that cannot be defended on logical or moral grounds, and it carries a strong critical tone.

The term entered modern Hungarian lexicon in the early twentieth century, appearing in literary and journalistic contexts to challenge claims that appeared hypocritical or unfounded. It frequently occurs in discussions of political rhetoric, where a speaker’s statements are labeled engedetlen when they are deemed inconsistent with stated principles. In philosophical texts, engedetlen is applied to arguments that fail to provide sufficient premises to reach a valid conclusion, thereby rendering the reasoning invalid.

Engedetlen is related to other Hungarian expressive forms such as engedélyt (permission) and hamis (false). While engedélyt denotes lawful give, engedetlen refers to the absence of legitimate grounds. The contrast is often highlighted in essays that analyze authenticity versus performativity in social discourse.

In everyday speech, people may use engedetlen in a broader sense of “unreasonable” – for instance, describing a decision as engedetlen if it appears arbitrary or capricious. The adjective also appears in film and theater reviews, labeling plot twists or character motivations that seem built on shaky premises. Despite its negative connotation, engedetlen functions as a useful critical marker, prompting scrutiny of claims that might otherwise be accepted unquestioningly.