Szemlél

Szemlél is a Hungarian verb meaning to look at, to gaze, or to observe closely. It conveys a deliberate, lingering act of looking, often with attentiveness or scrutiny. The infinitive form is szemlélni, and the present tense third-person singular uses the stem szemlél. The action is transitive, typically taking a direct object in the accusative, as in szemléli a tájat.

The word is native to Hungarian and is commonly found in literary or formal contexts; it is less frequent in casual speech, where synonyms such as néz or figyel are more common. Szemlél can carry nuances of contemplation, survey, or careful inspection, and it may describe both visual observation and the broader act of examining details or situations.

Etymology is generally described as a native Hungarian formation built on the root szem (eye) with a verbal suffix, but precise historical development is not widely documented in common references. In usage, szemlél often appears in descriptive or narrative prose to convey a character’s attentive watching or thoughtful consideration.

Examples include: “A tájat hosszasan szemléli.” and “A festményt szemléli, miközben tüzetesen elemzi a részleteket.” These illustrate the sense of a measured, attentive gaze. Synonyms and closely related actions include néz, figyel, és megfigyel, which cover broader or more immediate forms of looking.