konkrétny

Konkrétny is an adjective in Slovak that means specific, particular, or concrete. It is used to indicate that a noun refers to a definite item, detail, or attribute rather than something general. The word frequently occurs in everyday language and in formal writing, for example: konkrétny problém (a specific problem), konkrétne detaily (specific details).

Etymology and cognates: Konkrétny derives from Latin concretus and has parallel forms in other Slavic languages, notably Czech, where the form is kon-krétní (konkrétní). The Czech and Slovak forms are closely related and share the same semantic field of specifying or pinpointing. Cognates appear in other languages as well, reflecting a common European linguistic heritage around the concept of concreteness or specificity.

Usage and nuances: The term can describe tangible realities as well as precise or definite aspects of a subject. It contrasts with broader or general terms, signaling that a statement applies to a distinct item or aspect. In phrases such as konkrétny dôkaz (a specific/definite proof) or konkrétne údaje (specific data), it narrows the scope to a particular piece of information.

Grammar and declension: In Slovak, konkrétny inflects like other adjectives for gender and number. Common base forms include m. sg. konkrétny, f. sg. konkrétna, n. sg. konkrétne; plural forms vary with gender, for example konkrétni (masc. pl.) and konkrétne (f. pl. and n. pl.). Slavic languages generally maintain a system of agreement to match the noun they modify.