rovní

Rovný is an adjective used in Czech and Slovak to describe something level, flat, even, or straight, as well as to indicate equality or fairness in a broader sense. In physical terms, it describes surfaces or lines without irregularities: a rovný povrch (level surface) or rovná čára (straight line). In mathematics and logic, it participates in the phrase se rovná, meaning “is equal to,” as in A se rovná B (A equals B). In social or ethical language, rovný can modify nouns to express equal treatment or parity, for example rovný přístup (equal access) or rovné podmínky (equal conditions). In everyday speech it also appears in idioms such as mít rovný postoj (to have a straightforward or steady stance).

Etymology and related forms: rovný derives from Proto-Slavic root *rovъ, meaning level or even. It has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Polish równy and Russian ровный, with related senses of flatness and equality. The word is common in both Czech and Slovak and retains similar meanings across contexts.

Grammar and usage notes: in Czech and Slovak, rovný inflects like a standard adjective and agrees with the noun in gender and number (masculine, feminine, neuter; singular and plural forms vary by case). It can function predicatively (to se rovná) or attributively as a descriptor. In everyday language, it covers physical properties, mathematical equality, and social fairness, making it a versatile term across technical and colloquial contexts.