Intenciótól

Intenciótól is a Hungarian postpositional phrase formed by the noun intenció (szándék) and the suffix -tól. It literally means “from the intention” and is used to indicate the origin, basis, or causal role of a statement, action, or assessment. The expression is most common in formal, analytical, legal, and philosophical prose, particularly when the speaker wants to emphasize that outcomes depend on motive or intent rather than on external facts.

Etymology and form: The noun intenció is a loanword from Latin intentio, entering Hungarian via older literary usage. The suffix -tól marks origin or starting point, so intenciótól denotes “from the intention.” Because of its formal register, intenciótól is often found in precise or argumentative contexts, while everyday language tends to use alternatives such as szándék alapján or szándéktól függ.

Usage and nuance: The phrase signals that a conclusion, decision, or interpretation stems from someone’s intention rather than from objective evidence alone. It can express dependency (A döntés az intenciótól függ) or serve to contextualize a claim by pointing to motive as the basis for reasoning. It may also appear in discussions about responsibility, interpretation, or policy where intent matters.

Examples and alternatives: Example sentences include “A döntés az intenciótól függ,” and “Az ítélet a vizsgált helyzet intenciótól függően változik.” In less formal style, speakers might say “szándék alapján” or “a szándék szerint” to convey a related idea.

See also: intenció, szándék, szándéktól, alapján, alapján történő értelmezés.