Végett

Végett is a Hungarian prepositional particle used as a postposition to indicate purpose, motive, or reason—roughly equivalent to for the sake of or for the purpose of in English. It typically follows the noun phrase it relates to, forming a fixed expression such as végett in phrases like a békesség végett or az ország végett.

Usage and style: Végett is regarded as archaic or literary in modern Hungarian. It is most often found in solemn, ceremonial, religious, or poetic contexts, as well as in inscriptions, mottos, or historic texts. In everyday speech and contemporary writing, végett is usually replaced by more common constructions such as érdekében (for the benefit of), miatt (because of/for), céljából (for the purpose of), or rövidebb, less formal forms.

Etymology and classification: Végett is a traditional postpositional form in Hungarian grammar. It belongs to a class of older prepositional elements that have limited use today, retained mainly for stylistic or rhetorical effect. Because it is associated with older or formal language, dictionaries often label végett as archaic or literary.

Examples:

- A békesség végett dolgozunk. (We work for the sake of peace.)

- Az igazság végett szólunk. (We speak for the sake of the truth.)

- Az ország védelme végett hozták ezt a döntést. (They made this decision for the defense of the country.)

See also: érdekében, miatt, céljából, archaikus irodalmi nyelv.