Többékevésbé

Többékevésbé is a Hungarian adverb meaning “more or less” or “to a certain extent.” It is used to hedge statements by indicating approximation or partial agreement, roughly translating to “to a greater or lesser extent,” “somewhat,” or “approximately” in English. The phrase is a fixed expression formed from the comparative elements több (more) and kevésbé (less), and in modern orthography it is usually written as a single word, though older texts may show a hyphen (többé-kevésbé).

In usage, többékevésbé modifies adjectives, participles, or verbs, or can introduce a clause to soften a claim. It signals that the speaker’s assessment is not absolute. It is common in everyday language and in semi-formal writing, but is less frequent in highly formal or technical contexts where terms like nagyjából or körülbelül, or more precise formulations, might be preferred.

Examples:

- Ez a megoldás többékevésbé működik.

- A terv többékevésbé rendben van.

- A magyarázat többékevésbé érthető.

Etymology and style notes: többe-kevésbé corresponds to a hedging device rather than a strict comparative construction. It is typically used to express cautious evaluation rather than precise measurement. In contemporary Hungarian, it remains a versatile tool for nuanced statements, particularly in spoken language and journalism, where exactness is less critical than signaling approximate understanding.