Felkutató

Felkutató is a Hungarian noun and attributive participle derived from the verb felkutat, meaning to locate, track down, or uncover. As a term, felkutató denotes a person who locates or discovers something hidden, missing, or difficult to obtain—effectively a finder or investigator. It can also function as an adjective to describe related activities or roles, for example felkutató munka or felkutató tevékenység.

Etymology and form: felkutató is formed with the prefix fel- (indicating completion or thoroughness) attached to kutat (to search, to investigate) and the -ó suffix, which converts the verb into a noun or qualifying adjective. The word is used across various domains to emphasize the act of locating rather than assessing or prosecuting.

Usage and contexts: In everyday language, a felkutató is someone who seeks out information, objects, or persons that are not readily accessible. In professional contexts, the term appears in fields such as archaeology, history, or research to describe individuals or teams that locate sites, artefacts, records, or data. It can also appear in corporate or private sector settings, referring to specialists who locate candidates, suppliers, opportunities, or resources. The phrase felkutató tevékenység or felkutatás captures the process of locating as a discrete activity or project component.

Relation to related terms: Felkutató is distinct from nyomozó (investigator solving a case) and felderítő (reconnaissance or scouting), though overlaps exist. Felkutató emphasizes the locating aspect, whereas nyomozó focuses on solving or proving; felderítő emphasizes discovery and reconnaissance.

Translations: In English, felkutató is often rendered as finder, locator, or investigator, depending on context.