leginkább

Leginkább is a Hungarian adverb meaning "the most," "most of all," or "mainly." It forms a superlative degree of the adjective or adverb inkább (preferably) with the prefix leg-, and it is used to indicate the greatest extent, priority, or predominance among alternatives. It can modify verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses, and may appear before or after the element it emphasizes.

Etymology and form: The word combines the degree-prefix leg- with inkább. Leg- is the Hungarian standard marker of the highest degree for adjectives and adverbs, similar to “the most” in English. Inkább historically means “rather” or “preferably,” and leginkább conveys the strongest sense of preference or prominence.

Usage notes:

- As a degree adverb: Leginkább szeretem a teát. I like tea the most.

- Emphasizing a characteristic: A lakás leginkább a napfény miatt vonzó. The apartment is mainly attractive because of the sunlight.

- With clauses: Leginkább az érdekli, hogy mikor indul a koncert. What interests him most is when the concert starts.

- Position: Leginkább gyakran használják? or Ezt a feladatot leginkább az idő beosztása nehezíti. The latter example shows the strongest emphasis of the element.

Related terms: Leginkább is stronger than inkább, and often overlaps in meaning with főként, főleg, or különösen. The choice depends on nuance; leginkább explicitly marks the utmost degree or central importance.