Módtól

Módtól is a form found in Hungarian grammar that consists of the noun mód, meaning “manner” or “way,” combined with the suffix -tól, which marks origin or starting point. The resulting form, módtól, can be analyzed as a postpositional phrase indicating source or origin in a way similar to other -tól constructions in Hungarian. It is not a common element of everyday speech in modern standard Hungarian and is mainly attested in historical texts, older grammar descriptions, or certain dialectal spoken varieties.

Etymology and morphology

The word módtól is built from mód with the postpositional suffix -tól. The suffix -tól expresses “from” or “away from” and is applied here to convey origin related to the manner or method. The form follows standard Hungarian vowel harmony rules and functions as a stand-alone postposition-like unit within noun phrases. Because it is relatively rare in contemporary usage, it is often treated as a literary or archaic feature in linguistic descriptions.

Usage and interpretation

Módtól is used to indicate origin, source, or starting point in relation to the mode or method by which something is done. In most modern contexts, speakers would instead use more common constructions such as other from-phrases or paraphrase the idea with a different noun or clause. When encountered in texts, módtól is typically interpreted as a stylistic or historical marker rather than a productive, everyday form.

See also

Hungarian grammar, postpositions, suffix -tól, noun paradigms, archaic or literary language forms.