pravnim

Pravnim is the instrumental singular form of the adjective pravni, meaning "legal" or "juridical" in several South Slavic languages, including Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and Slovenian. It functions as a modifier in the instrumental case and is commonly found in legal and administrative language. Typical phrases include pravnim aktom (by legal act), pravnim propisom (by legal regulation), and pravnim dokumentom (by a legal document).

Etymology and meaning: The root prav- comes from Proto-Slavic *pravъ, related to law, justice, and correctness. The adjective pravni is formed from this root, and the instrumental ending -im yields pravnim in the masculine instrumental singular. In usage, pravnim describes actions, instruments, or means that are defined or authorized by law.

Grammatical notes: Pravnim is not a standalone noun; it is a grammatical form used to modify masculine singular nouns in the instrumental case. Its appearance and exact agreement can vary slightly by language and noun, but pravnim is the standard form used to convey “by legal means” or “through legal action” in everyday legal texts across these languages.

Usage context: The term is most common in official texts, law journals, contracts, and government communications where legal authority, compliance, or regulatory mechanisms are being described. In translation, pravnim is typically rendered as "legal" or phrases like "by legal means," depending on the surrounding noun and language.