mveltség

Műveltség, in non-diacritic form often written as mveltség, is a Hungarian concept that denotes culture, education, and the cultivation of the mind and character. It encompasses literacy, knowledge of history, arts, and sciences, as well as the manners and dispositions associated with being educated. The term is usually used to refer to the level of erudition and refinement in a person or in a society.

Etymology and meaning: műveltség comes from the verb művelni, meaning “to cultivate, to develop,” with the suffix -ség forming a noun that indicates a state or quality. Historically, it has been tied to the idea of intellectual and moral cultivation as a basis for personal development and civic life.

Usage and nuance: műveltség describes both individual attainment (művelt ember) and a broader cultural level (műveltségi szint). It is sometimes contrasted with kultúra (culture) and nevelés (education of children), where műveltség emphasizes educated, refined qualities rather than mere knowledge or artistic activity. In public discourse, it is linked to education policy, access to learning opportunities, and social mobility, reflecting concerns about how societies cultivate educated and responsible citizens.

See also: kultúra, oktatás, nevelés. Notes on usage and interpretation may vary with context and historical period, illustrating the term’s semantic richness in Hungarian discourse.