divní

Divní is a Czech adjective used to describe something unusual, odd, or strange. It can refer to people, objects, events, or behavior that stands apart from what is considered normal. The sense of divný ranges from mild surprise to suspicion, and in some contexts it may carry a slightly negative or pejorative tone, especially when applied to a person. In other registers, particularly in literary or poetic contexts, divný can also convey a sense of marvel or remarkable quality, though this positive nuance is less common in contemporary everyday speech.

Etymology and related forms: The word derives from the Old Czech divný, rooted in the same semantic field as div, meaning wonder or marvel. It is linked to the verb divit se, “to wonder.” Historically, divný encompassed both marvelous and unusual meanings; in modern Czech, the primary sense is “strange” or “odd.” The adverbial form is divně, as in divně se chovat (“to behave strangely”).

Inflection and usage: Like other Czech adjectives, divný inflects for gender and number. Examples include divný muž (a strange man), divná žena (a strange woman), and divní lidé (strange people). The adverb is divně. Common collocations include divný zvuk (a strange sound), divné chování (unusual behavior), and divní lidé (quirky or odd people), with nuance depending on context.

Overall, divní is a versatile, everyday-term that signals deviation from the ordinary, while its exact nuance—curiosity, peculiarity, or suspicion—depends on context and tone.