Megváltoztatták

Megváltoztatták is a Hungarian verb form that means “they had it changed” or “they changed it” in a causative sense. It is the past tense, third-person plural form of the verb megváltoztatni (to cause to change / to make changes). The form is built from the prefix meg-, the root változtat (to change), and the causative past suffix -tatták, signaling that a change was carried out by someone else and completed.

Etymology and grammar details: The prefix meg- often indicates completion or result, while változtat is the core verb meaning to change. The -tat- infix and the ending -ák (takkal/atták) mark the causative past tense and the third-person plural subject. In Hungarian, megváltoztatták is typically used when the subject caused a change to be made to a definite direct object, such as a contract, law, or regulation.

Usage and nuance: The form is common in formal, administrative, or journalistic language when reporting decisions or actions that resulted in changes implemented by authorities, organizations, or groups. It emphasizes that the change was arranged or commissioned rather than arising spontaneously from the subject alone. The related non-causative form megváltoztatások (to change something) and the singular megváltoztatta (he/she/it changed it) provide common alternatives for different grammatical persons.

Examples: A vállalatok megváltoztatták a szerződést. (The companies changed the contract.) A rendeletet megváltoztatták július 1-jével. (The decree was changed as of July 1.) See also megváltoztatni, változtat, változás.