opraviti

Opraviti is a verb used in several South Slavic languages, especially Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and Slovenian. It is primarily a perfective verb meaning to perform, complete, or fulfill an action, including carrying out a task, achieving a result, or repairing a fault. In everyday speech it is used for finishing tasks and for repair work, with nuances depending on the context.

Etymology: Opraviti is formed from the base praviti, meaning “to make” or “to do,” with the prefix o-, which in many Slavic languages signals completion or thoroughness. The result is a form that emphasizes finishing rather than ongoing action. It is related to but distinct from verbs such as ispraviti (to correct or fix) and opravdati (to justify).

Usage: In Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian, opraviti is used for finishing tasks, meeting deadlines, or repairing something. Examples: Opravio sam zadatak prije roka. Opravio sam kvar na računalu. In Slovenian, opraviti is used similarly: Opravil sem nalogo. Opravil sem manjšo napako na računalniku. The verb is generally treated as perfective, with conjugation following the standard patterns of Slavic perfective verbs.

Notes: Opraviti is not synonymous with all similar verbs; ispraviti has the sense of correcting or fixing, while opravdati refers to justifying or vindicating. The exact usage and regional preferences can vary, but the core idea remains finishing or carrying out a required action.