tisztelt

Tisztelt is a Hungarian adjective derived from the verb tisztel, meaning to respect. It is used to indicate esteem or honour toward the addressee and is a hallmark of formal language. In written and spoken Hungarian, tisztelt accompanies titles, professional designations, or names to convey courtesy.

In use, tisztelt appears before a person or group in formal contexts. Common examples include tisztelt Hölgyeim és Uraim (Dear ladies and gentlemen) or tisztelt Dr. Kovács (Esteemed Doctor Kovács). When addressing a group, it can precede a title or be paired with a general noun, such as tisztelt olvasó (esteemed reader). The form generally agrees with the noun it modifies in number and case, for instance tisztelt polgármester úr (esteemed mayor) or tisztelt doktornő (esteemed female doctor).

A closely related word, tisztelettel, is often used as an adverbial closing in letters and emails, meaning with respect. It is distinct from tisztelt, which functions as an honorific prefix before the addressee. While tisztelt is common in formal communications, it is not typical in casual conversation, where more familiar forms are used.

Etymology traces tisztelt to the verb tisztel (to respect) and its past participle form, functioning as an adjective that conveys respect toward the referenced person or group.

In summary, tisztelt is a formal pre-nominal honorific in Hungarian, signaling deference to the addressee, and it is a standard feature in official correspondence and ceremonial language.