pelnyti

Pelnyti is a Lithuanian verb meaning to earn or to gain something through effort, merit, or competitive achievement. It is used for both material and non-material outcomes, ranging from income or profit to intangible rewards such as respect, trust, or acknowledgment. The term is closely related to the noun pelnas, meaning profit or earnings, from which pelnyti derives the sense of obtaining or attaining.

In addition to earning money, pelnyti can describe earning recognition or a prize as a result of merit. Because of its emphasis on merit and outcome, the verb often appears in formal or literary contexts, though it also occurs in everyday language when discussing merit-based results. In many everyday situations, speakers may use other verbs such as uzdirbti for money or įgyti for acquiring, depending on nuance and regional usage.

Usage notes include the distinction between earning through effort (often emphasizing process and merit) and simply gaining by other means. Pelnyti can be contrasted with imperfective and perfective aspects in Lithuanian, where the action is viewed as completed when a result is achieved.

Etymology is linked to the related noun pelnas (profit or earnings), reflecting a semantic field centered on obtaining value through effort or merit. The term remains a standard part of Lithuanian vocabulary for discussing outcomes earned rather than merely acquired.

See also: pelnas (profit), pelningas (profitable), uzdirbti (to earn money), įgyti (to acquire).