Próbatétel

Próbatétel is a Hungarian noun meaning a test, trial, or ordeal that aims to prove a person’s endurance, courage, or worth. The term can denote a difficult experience used to evaluate character or abilities, and it is commonly used in religious, ethical, and literary contexts to describe challenges that test faith, virtue, or resolve.

Etymology and usage. The word is formed from próba, meaning “test” or “trial,” together with a suffix that conveys an act or event. It has historical presence in Hungarian religious discourse and literature to express a strenuous ordeal or proving of oneself.

Contexts. In religious contexts, próbatétel refers to trials of faith or moral testing—an ordeal that seeks to prove one’s fidelity or steadfastness. The concept is analogous to the idea of a “trial” or “test” of character found in Christian, Jewish, and other traditions, and is often associated with temptations or hardships that refine character.

In secular or modern usage, próbatétel can describe any demanding experience that serves to demonstrate ability or resilience, such as a challenging examination, a strenuous professional task, or a difficult phase in a project or process. The term emphasizes endurance and verification rather than mere difficulty.

Related terms and notes. Related words include próba (test) and próbálás (trying or testing). In contemporary Hungarian, próbatétel is not a strictly legal term; for formal legal proceedings, other terminology is used.