Szóvégre

Szóvégre is a Hungarian grammatical phenomenon that describes the act of assigning an existing word to the end of a phrase or sentence for emphasis or stylistic effect. This technique is often employed in spoken language and informal writing to highlight a particular word or idea, creating a sense of finality or drawing attention to its significance.

The concept of szóvégre is rooted in the flexible word order characteristic of the Hungarian language. While Hungarian typically follows a subject-verb-object structure, deviations are common for rhetorical purposes. Placing a word at the end, often separated by a slight pause, allows the speaker or writer to punctuate their thought and ensure the listener or reader registers the importance of that specific word.

For example, in the sentence "Szeretem a kutyát" (I love the dog), saying "A kutyát szeretem" shifts the emphasis to "kutyát" (dog), implying that the dog is what is loved, perhaps in contrast to something else. Szóvégre takes this a step further by isolating the word, as in "Szeretem, a kutyát." This construction amplifies the focus on "kutyát," making it the undeniable focal point of the statement.

This stylistic device is not limited to single words. Phrases can also be placed at the end of a sentence for a similar emphatic effect. While it can add a vibrant and engaging quality to communication, overuse of szóvégre can also lead to a less fluid or overly dramatic tone. Its effectiveness lies in its judicious application to underscore meaning and enhance the impact of the spoken or written word.