Terjedben

Terjedben is a Hungarian adverbial form derived from the verb terjed, meaning to spread or to disseminate. Used to describe ongoing diffusion of a phenomenon, it roughly translates to “in the process of spreading” or “in spread.” While not a separate lexical item with its own entry in every dictionary, terjedben appears in formal and semi-formal language to emphasize the current dynamics of spread, as opposed to completed spread (terjedt).

Grammar and etymology: Terjed is the verb; the suffix -ben is a locative suffix that attaches to nouns, but in this construction terjedben functions as a fixed adverbial phrase indicating process. Some grammarians treat terjedben as an adverbial participle or a predicative expression. The related form terjedőben (spreading) is often used interchangeably in contemporary Hungarian; terjedben tends to be found in written or technical contexts.

Usage: Common in epidemiology, information science, media, and risk communication. It can accompany the verb “van” (is) or be used in compound phrases: “A járvány terjedben van” (The outbreak is in the process of spreading). In news reports one may also see: “Az információ terjedésben van,” which highlights diffusion dynamics.

Comparison: terjedőben vs terjedben; terjedt denotes completed spread (spreading has occurred). In practice, terjedben emphasizes ongoing movement, while terjedőben similarly marks the progressing state, and terjedt marks a past or completed state.

See also: terjed; terjedő; terjedés; terjedésben