Hosszabbra

Hosszabbra is a form in Hungarian that arises from the adjective hosszú (long) in its comparative degree hosszabb, combined with the suffix -ra. The result is used to express a move toward a longer length or duration and is commonly interpreted as an allative or adverbial extension reading, indicating “to a longer extent/length.”

Morphology and grammar. The base word hosszú undergoes the comparative process to become hosszabb. The -ra suffix then attaches to this stem to create hosszabbra, which functions in sentences to specify the target length or duration toward which an action is directed. The construction is typically used with verbs of lengthening or extending, such as nyújtani (to stretch) or other prolonging actions. While the standard expression for prolonging is meghosszabbítani, hosszabbra nyújtott form is found in certain stylistic or colloquial contexts and can emphasize the degree of extension.

Usage notes. Hosszabbra is more likely to appear in literary or rhetorical prose than in formal, technical writing. It conveys a sense of extending beyond a previous limit, rather than simply stating a longer absolute length. In everyday language, speakers may opt for more conventional forms like meghosszabbítani or megnyújtani, depending on the nuance intended.

See also. Hungarian grammar, comparative adjectives, allative suffix -ra/-re, noun-adjective interactions in Hungarian.

Overall, hosszabbra functions as a specialized, context-dependent form that signals extension to a longer length or duration when paired with appropriate verbs.