kedvel

Kedvel is a Hungarian verb meaning to like, to take a liking to, or to prefer. It denotes a positive attitude toward a person, object, action, or idea and is used to express that something is held in favorable regard or considered pleasing. In modern Hungarian, the infinitive of the verb is kedvelni, while kedvel appears as the base form used in conjugated forms. The root kedv- is linked to pleasure, desire, and liking, and this word family includes related terms such as kedvenc (favorite) and kedvesség (kindness or amiability).

Usage and nuance: Kedvel is used with a direct object to indicate what is liked. For example, a sentence such as "Ő kedveli a zenét" means “He likes music.” The verb can express both mild preference and stronger esteem, depending on context, adverbs, and accompanying words. In everyday language, tetszik is also used to express liking, with kedvel sometimes carrying a sense of sustained preference or personal esteem.

Grammar: Kedvelni is a regular -ni verb and follows standard Hungarian conjugation patterns. It forms various tenses and moods through the usual suffixes, and its participles appear in related phrases such as kedvelt (favored) or kedvesség (amiability) in the broader word family.

Derivatives and related terms: kedvelő (an admirer or aficionado), kedveltség (affinity or liking for something), and related formations show how kedvel functions within Hungarian vocabulary to express positive appraisal or preference.

See also: kedv, kedvenc, tetszik, kedvelni.