kitartó

Kitartó is a Hungarian adjective that describes someone who continues to put effort into a task despite difficulties. It conveys a sense of perseverance, endurance, and steadiness over time. The term is commonly used to describe people, attitudes, or processes that involve long-term commitment, such as study, work, or sports.

Etymology and grammar: The word derives from the verb kitartani, meaning to hold on, endure, or persist. The suffix -ó forms an agentive or descriptive adjective. It typically precedes a noun (for example, kitartó diák = a persistent student, kitartó munka = persevering work). The word is primarily an adjective; it can rarely be used as a noun to refer to a person described as persistent.

Usage and nuance: Kitartó implies sustained effort and resilience, often in the face of obstacles or fatigue. It overlaps with synonyms such as állhatatos (steadfast). In translations, it is commonly rendered as persistent, tenacious, persevering, or enduring. Examples include kitartó tanuló (a persistent student), kitartó sportoló (a tenacious athlete), and kitartó munka (persevering work).

See also: állhatatos, kitartás, perseverance, tenacity, endurance.