Mérlegelte

Mérlegelte is the third-person singular past definite form of the Hungarian verb mérlegelni, meaning to weigh up, to deliberate, or to consider. It indicates that someone has completed the act of weighing options or possibilities and formed a judgment. In context, it is commonly used in narrative and formal writing, as in the example: "Ő mérlegelte a lehetőségeket."

Etymology and meaning: The verb mérlegelni derives from mérleg, meaning scale or balance, combined with the infinitive suffix -elni. The metaphor of balancing options is central to the word, extending from physical weighing to the weighing of evidence, costs, risks, or outcomes.

Usage and nuance: Mérlegelte can refer to both literal weighing (of items) and figurative weighing (of considerations). It conveys careful, deliberate evaluation rather than a quick or impulsive decision. The form is typical in journalism, reports, legal and business writing, and other formal genres. It is often contrasted with synonyms such as megfontol, átgondol, or mérlegelés, underscoring a thorough assessment process.

Examples: "A projekt költségeit mérlegelte, mielőtt jóváhagyta." "A válsághelyzetben mérlegelte, melyik lépés a legbiztonságosabb." Related forms include mérlegel, mérlegeltem, mérlegelte, mérlegeltek, which cover other tenses and subjects.