laikytis

Laikytis is a Lithuanian verb that means to adhere to, to follow, or to keep to a rule, principle, belief, or course of action. It describes acting in accordance with norms or commitments and often conveys a sense of fidelity or consistency over time. The expression is typically used with a genitive object, for example laikytis įstatymų (to comply with the laws), laikytis nuostatų (to adhere to the principles), laikytis tradicijų (to maintain traditions), laikytis sutarties sąlygų (to follow the terms of a contract).

Usage and nuance

Laikytis can describe both practical obedience and moral or ideological fidelity. It can refer to staying on a chosen path or remaining true to one's commitments, even in the face of difficulties. It is common in legal, political, and ethical discourse, as well as in everyday speech when discussing habits, beliefs, or practices.

Grammar and forms

Laikytis is an intransitive verb that governs its complements in the genitive. Imperative forms include laikykis (singular) and laikykitės (plural or polite). Like many Lithuanian verbs, it is conjugated according to mood and tense, but its core meaning remains “to adhere to” or “to stay true to.”

Related terms

Nouns such as laikymasis (adherence, observance) and laikymas (keeping, retention) derive from laikytis and describe aspects of adhering to standards or commitments.

See also

Adherence to laws and norms, principles, traditions, and commitments.