Kihatás

Kihatás is a Hungarian noun meaning impact, influence, or effect of one thing on another. It denotes the result or consequence produced by a cause, action, event, or factor, and is used across disciplines such as science, economics, sociology, politics, as well as in everyday language. The expression “kihatása van valamire” (has an impact on something) is common, and the plural “kihatások” refers to multiple effects or influences.

The term is often distinguished from related words such as hatás and következmény. Hatás is a more general term for an effect, while kihatás emphasizes an influence that changes a system or situation, often with a directional or causal nuance. Következmény refers to a consequence that follows from a preceding action or event, highlighting outcomes that are logically subsequent.

Etymology: the noun is formed from the verb kihat (to exert influence on) with the nominal suffix -ás, designating the resulting influence or effect.

Usage notes: kihatás is frequently combined with adjectives describing the domain of impact, for example gazdasági kihatások (economic impacts), társadalmi kihatások (social impacts), vagy környezeti kihatások (environmental impacts). It can describe both positive and negative influences and may refer to short-term or long-term effects.

See also: hatás, befolyás, következmény, hatásvizsgálat.