Jediným

Jediným is the instrumental singular form of the Czech adjective jediný, meaning "the only" or "sole." It is used to modify masculine or neuter nouns in the instrumental case, typically after prepositions that require instrumental or in fixed expressions.

Morphology and forms

The base adjective has the forms: masculine nominative jediný, feminine nominative jediná, neuter nominative jediné. In the instrumental singular, the masculine and neuter forms are jediným, while the feminine instrumental singular is jedinou. For example: s jediným mužem (with the only man), s jediným autem (with the only car), with a feminine noun: s jedinou ženou. In predicative constructions, you may also encounter forms such as On je jediným, koho znám (He is the only one I know).

Usage notes

Jediným is typically placed before a noun when used attributively, as in s jediným mužem or jediným způsobem. It can also function in predicates or in comparative expressions that require the instrumental case, such as jediným způsobem (in the only way). The word is common in formal and neutral styles and is frequently found in written Czech.

Etymology and cognates

Jediný derives from the root jeden (one) with the adjectival suffix -ný, forming a meaning related to "the one and only." It has cognates in other Slavic languages, notably Slovak jediný and Polish jedyny, reflecting a shared development from the same Proto-Slavic source.

See also

jediný, jeden, Czech grammar, instrumental case.