különbözhetnek

különbözhetnek is a Hungarian verb form meaning "they may differ" or "they can be different." It expresses potential or possibility (the -het suffix) and agrees with a plural subject. The form is built from the root related to különböző, meaning different, and is used to indicate that differences between items, groups, or conditions are possible rather than certain.

Usage and context:

The form is commonly used when discussing comparative outcomes, characteristics, or opinions where variability is not guaranteed. It can appear in scientific writing, analysis, or everyday language. Examples of usage include statements about multiple options, data groups, or phenomena that could show differences under certain circumstances: "A két változat különbözhet egymástól" (The two variants may differ from each other), "A vélemények különbözhetnek a csoport tagjai között."

Relations to related forms:

This form differs from other approximately similar expressions in Hungarian. For instance, "különböztethetnek" means "they may be distinguishable (able to be distinguished)" and is used when emphasizing the act of differentiating rather than simply being different. The distinction between these forms is subtle and depends on whether the focus is on difference itself or the ability to identify and separate differences.

Etymology:

The verb is built from the adjective root különböző (different) with the Hungarian potential suffix -het, producing a mood that indicates possibility. The ending -nek marks the plural subject in the sentence.

See also:

Hungarian language grammar; potential mood; difference; distinguishing.