Pewniej

Pewniej is a Polish adverb of degree that expresses a higher level of certainty or likelihood. It functions as the comparative form of the adverb pewnie (or, in some contexts, as a comparative form related to the adjective pewny), and is used to compare two assertions, scenarios, or evaluations. When someone wants to indicate that something is more certain or more probable than another option, pewniej is the natural choice.

In usage, pewniej appears in constructions that compare states of affairs, often with verbs of perception, assertion, or evaluation. Examples include: "Ta wersja brzmi pewniej niż poprzednia" (That version sounds more convincing/secure than the previous one), or "Wynik wydaje się pewniej potwierdzony" (The result seems more reliably confirmed). The meaning can range from “more confidently” to “more likely,” depending on context. The word can also function in hedging, softening or strengthening a claim relative to another.

Form and related terms: the superlative form is najpewniej (the most certainly/most likely). The base adverb is pewnie (surely, confidently), and pewniej is the comparative form. Pewniej is common in both spoken and written Polish, though in highly formal writing speakers may opt for phrases like bardziej prawdopodobnie or bardziej pewny, depending on nuance.

See also: pewny, pewnie, najpewniej, bardziej prawdopodobnie.