gyökerez

Gyökerez is a Hungarian verb meaning to take root or to become established, either literally for plants or metaphorically for ideas, movements, or institutions. In everyday use it describes how roots form in the soil as well as how something gains a foothold or becomes firmly established within a place, a community, or a mind. The standard infinitive is gyökerezni; gyökerez- forms appear in conjugation, such as gyökerezik for “takes root” and gyökerezett for “took root.”

Etymology and related terms: The word derives from gyökér, meaning “root,” with the verbalizing suffix -ez, and is related to gyökerezés (rooting or rooting process) and gyökeresedés (the act of taking root or taking hold). The verb is part of a family of terms describing establishment and firmness in both literal and figurative senses.

Usage: In literal contexts, it describes roots developing in soil. In figurative contexts, it characterizes how an idea, habit, tradition, or organization becomes established and widespread. It is used with subjects ranging from plants to communities and movements.

Examples: A fa gyökerezik a nedves talajban. (The tree is taking root in the damp soil.) A mozgalom gyorsan gyökerezett az országban. (The movement quickly took root in the country.)

See also: Gyökér; gyökerezés; gyökeresedés.