Formájukban

Formájukban is a Hungarian adverbial phrase formed by forma (form) + -juk (their) + -ban (in), meaning “in their form” or “in their appearance.” It is used to refer to the outward shape, arrangement, or state of something, as distinct from its content or function. The expression is common in literary, art-historical, and archaeological contexts, where observers describe objects or representations as they appear rather than what they signify.

Etymology and morphology: The base noun forma provides the semantic core. The possessive suffix -juk marks third-person plural ownership (their), and -ban is the postposition meaning “in.” Hungarian vowel harmony yields -ban after back vowels, as in formájukban.

Usage: Formájukban acts as an adverbial modifier that situates a statement with respect to the appearance or physical embodiment of a subject. It is often used when discussing preservation of appearance, typology, or stylistic features, and can pair with verbs such as megőrizni (to preserve), mutatni (to show), or vizsgálni (to examine).

Examples:

A régészeti leletek formájukban megőrizték az eredeti kinézetüket. (The archaeological finds, in their form, preserved their original appearance.)

A kiállított szobrok formájukban a klasszikus görög stílus jegyeit mutatják. (In their form, the exhibited statues show the features of classical Greek style.)

In Hungarian grammar, formájukban is a postpositional phrase that foregrounds outward appearance or arrangement rather than content.