skutnost

skutnost is a Czech noun meaning “reality,” “actuality,” or “fact.” It refers to the state or condition of being real or existing in the external world as opposed to being imagined, theoretical, or ideal. The term is used in everyday speech as well as in academic contexts such as philosophy, sociology, and science. For example, the phrase “skutnost následuje za teorií” literally translates to “reality follows theory.” In Czech literature, writers often contrast the idealized world with the harsh reality (skutnost), exploring themes of disillusionment and authenticity.

Grammatically, skutnost is a feminine noun of the first declension. Its genitive plural form is “skutností”, and the diminutive or colloquial variant “skutku” is occasionally used. The word shares a Slavic root with the Russian “существительность” and the Polish “skuteczny,” indicating a broader Slavic concept of “that which has existence or effect.” In philosophical texts, skutnost is frequently paired with the term “ideo” or “ideologija”, discussing the relationship between ideas and their concrete manifestations. The notion of skutnost also appears in legal contexts, where it distinguishes facts that are arrived at through evidence from mere statements of belief. Overall, skutnost encapsulates an essential concept in both everyday life and intellectual discourse.