laikydamiesi

Laikydamiesi is a Lithuanian present adverbial participle formed from the verb laikytis, meaning to adhere to, to follow, or to keep to. The form is commonly translated into English as “adhering to” or “holding to.” It describes the manner in which the action of the main clause is performed or indicates a condition under which that action occurs.

Usage

Laikydamiesi is typically used to express that someone or something adheres to rules, principles, customs, or agreements. The object of laikytis is usually in the genitive case, for example laikytis taisyklių (to adhere to the rules), laikytis įstatymų (to adhere to the laws), laikytis principų (to adhere to principles). It can introduce a participial phrase that accompanies the main clause, especially in formal or written Lithuanian.

Examples

Laikydamiesi taisyklių, komanda pasiekė tikslą. Translation: Adhering to the rules, the team reached the goal.

Laikydamiesi tradicijų, bendruomenė šventė. Translation: Adhering to traditions, the community celebrated.

Laikydamiesi įstatymų, piliečiai tikėjosi teisingumo. Translation: Adhering to the laws, the citizens expected justice.

Grammatical notes

The form is non-finite and non-personal; the subject is typically the same as the subject of the main clause, or it is understood generally. It is distinct from related participles such as laikantis or laikydamas, which reflect different gender, number, or voice.

Etymology and relation

Laikydamiesi derives from the verb laikytis, whose core meaning is to hold to or to keep to. It is used in a wide range of formal and written Lithuanian to convey conformity, compliance, or consistency with established norms.