titokban

Titokban is a Hungarian adverb meaning "in secret" or "secretly." It describes actions performed without informing others or without public knowledge. The term is common in everyday speech, journalism, and literature, and can refer to confidential planning, hidden motives, or discreet behavior. It often contrasts with nyíltan, meaning openly.

Etymology and form: "titok" means "secret." The adverbial form is built with the locative suffix "-ban," yielding "titokban," literally "in secrecy" or "in the state of being secret." The word functions as an adverb modifying verbs and, less commonly, as a prepositional phrase in sentences such as "titokban hozták meg a döntést" (they made the decision secretly).

Usage notes: Titokban is used for actions done without public knowledge or proper authorization; it may imply secrecy, privacy, or deception depending on context. It can pair with verbs like dolgozik, hoznak, tart, or marad. Common collocations include "titokban tart," "titokban tartják a hírt," "titokban dolgozni." It is not inherently negative, but often suggests something should be disclosed or could cause distrust if revealed.

Examples: A döntést titokban hozták meg. Ő titokban dolgozik a projekten. A cég titokban tartja a találkozó részleteit. These usages illustrate how titokban modifies the verb to indicate secrecy.