Szabályos

Szabályos is a Hungarian adjective meaning regular, proper, or standard, and used for things that conform to a rule, norm, or established pattern. It is formed from the noun szabály, “rule,” with the adjectival suffix -os. The word is commonly contrasted with szabálytalan, meaning irregular or non-conforming.

In mathematics and geometry, szabályos denotes a property of figures that are highly symmetric: a szabályos sokszög is a regular polygon with equal sides and equal interior angles; a szabályos háromszög (often understood as equilateral) is a triangle with all sides equal. The term is used for various geometric shapes beyond polygons, whenever uniformity and symmetry are specified.

In everyday language, szabályos describes regularity in time, procedure, or behavior. Examples include szabályos munkaidő (regular working hours), szabályos karbantartás (routine maintenance), and szabályos eljárás (proper or standard procedure). It can also describe normal bodily functions in medical contexts, such as szabályos légzés (regular breathing) or szabályos pulse.

Etymologically, the word reflects the concept of following rules or standards, and its usage spans formal, academic, and colloquial Hungarian. The antonym szabálytalan marks the absence of regularity or conformity. Overall, szabályos functions as a versatile term to denote conformity to established norms, whether in science, daily life, or law-abiding practice.