Méterrel

Méterrel is the instrumental case form of the Hungarian noun méter, meaning meter. It is used to indicate the instrument or means by which something is done, and, more commonly in everyday language, to express a measurement difference or quantity when comparing lengths, distances, or extents. The form is created by adding the instrumental suffix -rel (or -ral after certain consonant harmonies); for méter the correct form is méterrel.

In usage, méterrel appears frequently after numerals to express a difference of length or distance. For example, öt méterrel rövidebb translates as five meters shorter, and öt méterrel hosszabb as five meters longer. The construction is often used in comparisons between two objects or measurements, such as a bridge or a road extending or shortening by a specified amount. It can also denote distance from a reference point, as in there being a separation of a few meters, though in that sense other phrasing may also be used.

Etymology-wise, méter comes from the French mètre, which in turn derives from the Greek metron, meaning measure. The Hungarian instrumental form méterrel reflects the language’s system of cases and suffixes, with -rel signaling the instrumental function of the noun.

See also: méter, mértékegység, mérték.