Kitértek

Kitértek is a Hungarian verb form meaning they deviated or digressed. It is the third-person plural past tense of the verb kitér, which primarily conveys moving away from a planned path or topic, or taking a sidetrack. The sense can apply to physical detours as well as to metonymic or conversational digressions.

Etymology and forms: The verb kitér is built with the prefix ki- (out, away) and the root tér (to turn or bend). The infinitive is kitérni. Personal forms in the present include kitérek, kitérsz, kitér, kitérünk, kitértek, kitérnek. The past tense forms include kitértem, kitértél, kitért, kitértünk, kitértetek, kitértek. The form kitértek specifically denotes that multiple subjects performed the action in the past.

Usage notes: Kitértek is commonly used in formal and journalistic writing, parliamentary debates, and narrative descriptions to indicate that a group or individuals strayed from a planned topic or route. It can also describe detours in travel or discussions that briefly move away from the main issue. The verb can be paired with various complements to specify what was digressed from, such as a topic, plan, or route. Related noun forms are kitérés (deviation, digression) and kitérő (detour, sidetrack).

Example sentences: A beszélgetésben a résztvevők többször kitértek a költségvetési kérdésre. A politikusok kitértek a kérdés lényegére, de végül visszatértek a témához.

See also: kitérés, kitérő, kitérni.