magasabbnak

Magasabbnak is a form found in Hungarian grammar, derived from the adjective magasabb, the comparative of magas meaning high or tall. The form magasabbnak consists of magasabb plus the suffix -nak (or -nek), which marks a dative or indirect-object function and is used in certain predicative constructions. The exact function depends on the syntactic context.

Usage and function: Magasabbnak mainly appears in predicative or evaluative clauses after verbs such as tűnik (seems) or látszik (appears). In these settings the word functions as a complement meaning “higher” or “taller.” For example, in a sentence like A hegy magasabbnak tűnik, mint tavaly, the phrase translates roughly as “The mountain seems higher than last year.” The form can also appear in formal comparisons or in noun phrases referring to a higher status or degree.

Morphology and formation: The base is magasabb (the comparative form of magas). The suffix -nak/-nek attaches to form magasabbnak, signaling its syntactic role as a predicative or dative-like complement within the clause.

Etymology: It is a combination of the comparative adjective magasabb and the dative-indicating suffix -nak/-nek.

Usage notes: Magasabbnak is relatively formal and more common in written Hungarian or in precise descriptive contexts. In everyday speech, speakers may use alternative constructions, such as direct comparisons with mint or different predicative formulations, to avoid this specific suffixal pattern.