skromní

Skromný is an adjective used in Czech and Slovak to describe modesty, humility, or lack of ostentation. It can refer to people, their behavior, or things that are simple and unpretentious. Common examples include skromný člověk (a modest/humble person) and skromný dům (a modest, plain house). The adverb is skromně, and the corresponding noun is skromnost (modesty).

Etymology and cognates: The term is of Slavic origin and has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Russian скромный, Polish skromny, and Ukrainian скромний, all conveying a similar sense of modesty or unpretentiousness. The exact historical development varies by language, but the core meaning remains aligned across the family.

Grammar and usage: In Czech and Slovak, skromný declines for gender and number. In masculine singular it is skromný; feminine singular skromná; neuter singular skromné. Plurals include skromní for masculine and skromné for feminine and neuter in nominative. The adverbial form is skromně, as in žít skromně (to live modestly). The noun form skromnost denotes the virtue or quality of modesty.

Nuance and relation to related terms: Skromný emphasizes modesty or simplicity without implying religious or subservient humility. The related term pokorný conveys a stronger sense of humility or submissiveness, often with moral or religious connotations. In everyday usage, skromnost is valued as a virtue and can describe both people and their possessions, such as a skromný byt (modest apartment).

See also: skromnost; pokora.