közöset

Közöset is a grammatical form in Hungarian derived from the adjective közös, meaning common or shared. It is not a separate lexeme, but a specific inflected form used in certain syntactic contexts where the adjective is functioning as a substantive or when it accompanies a definite noun phrase that is ellipsed or implied. In practical terms, közöset can be understood as “the common one” or “the shared one” when the noun it would modify is omitted because it is understood from context.

Morphology and usage

The form közöset appears in the definite direct object position, reflecting the definite/indefinite contrast inherent in Hungarian adjective declension. It is most likely to be encountered in phrases where the speaker wants to refer to a single item that is identified as “the common/shared” among options, such as choosing among possibilities without stating the full noun. An example in use would be a sentence like Válassz a közöset, meaning “Choose the common one.” Here közöset stands in for a noun such as dologot or személyt that has been contextually established.

Frequency and notes

Közöset is relatively rare in everyday spoken Hungarian and appears more in written language, instructional contexts, or glosses that illustrate grammatical phenomena. It is a reflection of Hungarian’s flexible system for nominalizing adjectives and for signaling definiteness in noun phrases.

See also

Hungarian grammar, adjective declension, definite direct object, nominalization.