Opredeliti

Opredeliti is a verb used in several South Slavic languages, including Serbian, Croatian, Macedonian, and Bulgarian. It means to determine, define, specify, or designate something in a formal or authoritative way. The sense covers actions such as establishing boundaries, assigning responsibilities, setting values, or deciding on a course of action. In mathematics, law, administration, and planning, opredeliti is commonly employed to indicate a decisive act of definition or designation.

Etymology and cognates: The word derives from a Proto-Slavic root linked to setting or establishing. Its meaning is closely related across languages, with cognate forms in related Slavic tongues that express the act of making a determination or definition.

Usage notes: In mathematics or science, one might opredeliti vrednosti (define the values). In legal or administrative contexts, it can mean to opredeliti nadležnosti (determine competencies) or opredeliti granice (establish boundaries). In urban planning or policy, it may refer to opredeliti planove or opredeliti pravila. The term often carries a sense of finality or formal decision.

Morphology: The infinitive form is opredeliti. Depending on the language, it participates in standard tense conjugations and aspectual pairs. In some languages, the imperfective counterpart is expressed with a related verb or periphrastic construction.

See also: Definition, Delimitation, Determination.

References: Standard dictionaries of the respective languages provide definitions and usage examples for opredeliti and its cognates.