Slovním

Slovním is the instrumental singular form of the Czech adjective slovní, meaning lexical or verbal. It is used to describe something that is expressed in words or relating to words. The base word slovo means “word,” and the adjective slovní derives from this root to denote word-related characteristics.

In grammar, slovní is declined like other adjectives, and slovním appears in the instrumental case to accompany masculine or neuter nouns in that form. It commonly occurs in phrases that emphasize verbal rather than written or nonverbal means of expression, such as slovním projevem (by verbal expression) or slovním vyjádřením (by verbal expression/wording). The term plays a role in contrasts with other modalities, for example with written (psaným) or spoken (mluveným) forms.

Usage in linguistics and rhetoric often centers on how information is conveyed through language. Slovní expressions focus on the selection of words, phrasing, and lexical choices, as opposed to nonverbal communication or formal written text. In descriptive grammar, slovní is used to label phenomena connected to vocabulary, word formation, and the relationship between form and meaning in actual utterances.

See also: slovní zásoba, slovník, slovník jazyků, slovesný. These related terms cover vocabulary, dictionaries, and aspects of word-related grammar that intersect with the concept of verbal or lexical expression.