Keresztekkel

Keresztekkel is the instrumental plural form of the Hungarian noun keresz t (cross). It literally means “with crosses” and is used to indicate that something bears cross motifs or features crosses as part of its decoration or composition. The form is created by taking the plural nominative keresztek (crosses) and adding the instrumental plural suffix -kel, yielding keresz tekkel through standard assimilation rules in Hungarian.

Usage and examples

Keresztekkel is commonly found in descriptions of art, architecture, clothing, and heraldry. For instance, “A templom falait keresztekkel díszítették” means “The church walls were decorated with crosses.” Another example: “Ékszereit keresztekkel ékesítették” translates to “They embellished the jewelry with crosses.”

Grammatical notes

This word illustrates the Hungarian instrumental plural construction, which combines the plural noun form with the instrumental suffix. For contrast, the singular instrumental is kereszttel (“with a cross”). The base meaning remains tied to the cross symbol, and the plural form is used when referring to multiple crosses or cross motifs.

Etymology

Derived from keresz t (cross) with the plural suffix -ek, followed by the instrumental plural suffix -kel, resulting in the standard form keresz tekkel.

See also

kereszt (cross), keresztek (crosses), -kal/-kkel instrumental suffix in Hungarian.