tiszteli

Tiszteli is a Hungarian verb meaning to respect, to honor, or to revere someone or something. It is used transitively, taking a direct object such as a person, group, or institution (for example, tiszteli a tanárt, he respects the teacher; tiszteli a hagyományokat, he honors the traditions).

Grammatical notes: tisztel belongs to the regular -el/-öl verbs in Hungarian. In the present tense it is conjugated as: én tisztelek (I respect), te tisztelsz (you respect), ő tiszteli (he/she respects), mi tiszteljük (we respect), ti tisztelitek (you all respect), ők tisztelik (they respect). The third-person singular form tiszteli is also used in the formal address with Ön/Önök (for example, Ön tiszteli). The noun tisztelet (respect, esteem) is closely related and derives from the same root.

Other forms and usage: tisztelt, the past participle of tisztel, is commonly used as an adjective in formal contexts, particularly in letters and speeches; for example, Tisztelt Hölgyeim és Uraim means “Ladies and Gentlemen” (esteemed ladies and gentlemen). The verb can also appear in phrases expressing politeness or obligation, and appears in both everyday speech and formal discourse.

Etymology: the verb tisztel is closely related to the noun tisztelet (respect, esteem). Its exact historical origin is not fully settled, but both share the same semantic core of recognizing and honoring the value of someone or something.

See also: tisztelet, tisztelt, Tisztelt Hölgyeim és Uraim.