píslovný

Píslovný is the non-diacritic spelling of the Czech and Slovak grammatical term often written as příslovný. It denotes elements that function as adverbs or adverbial modifiers in a sentence. The word is an adjective form derived from the noun for adverb, příslovce, and it is used to describe parts of a sentence that convey circumstances such as time, place, manner, or cause.

In usage, píslovný elements can be single words that behave like adverbs, or fixed phrases and clauses that serve an adverbial function. Examples of adverbial words include zítra (tomorrow), rychle (quickly), or doma (at home). Adverbial phrases, such as v parku (in the park) or do školy (to school), also function as píslovný when they modify verbs or whole clauses. Additionally, there are adverbial clauses (příslovečné věty) that express time, condition, reason, or concession, further expanding the scope of píslovný usage in sentence structure.

The distinction between píslovný elements and related categories is primarily functional. Příslovce (adverbs) are single-word adverbial units, while píslovný covers broader adverbial phenomena, including adverbial phrases and adverbial clauses that fulfill the same adverbial role. In pedagogy and grammar references, the term is used to describe how these elements answer questions like when, where, how, and why, and how they contribute to the overall meaning and coherence of a sentence.

See also: príslovce, příslovečné určení, příslovečná věta.