Esetenkénti

esetenkénti is a Hungarian adjective that literally means “case by case” or “per instance.” The word is formed from the noun eset (“case, situation”) and the suffix –enkénti, which indicates an association with each individual case. In everyday language esetenkénti describes decisions, actions or analysis that differ depending on the particular circumstances rather than following a uniform rule.

The term functions as a modifier before nouns or predicates. For example, “esetenkénti választás” translates as “case‑by‑case choice,” and “esetenkénti megállapítás” means “case‑dependent finding.” It can also precede verbs in a phrase such as “esetenkénti vizsgálni,” meaning “to investigate on a case‑by‑case basis.”

Etymologically, esetenkénti reflects a broader tendency in Hungarian to create adverbs and adjectives combining a noun with the suffix –enként, analogous to the English adverb “per person” or the adjective “individual.” The suffix –kenti is a variant that forms adjectives meaning “pertaining to each part” or “particular.”

In legal, administrative, and media contexts, the term signals flexibility. Laws may allow “esetenkénti alkalmazást” (case‑by‑case application) of a statute, while journalists might refer to evidence as “esetenkénti bizonyítékok” (case‑specific evidence). The concept underscores the value placed on tailored judgment within Hungarian discourse.

Overall, esetenkénti highlights a cultural preference for nuanced, context‑sensitive decision making and is widely understood across Hungarian-speaking communities.