ítéli

átéli is a Hungarian verb meaning to experience or go through something, especially in a deep, emotional, or intense sense. It is used to describe how a person perceives and processes events, feelings, or situations, rather than merely encountering them on a surface level. The infinitive form is átélni, and the related noun is átélés, referring to the act or process of experiencing.

Etymology and form details: the verb is built from the prefix át- (through, across, thoroughly) combined with él (to live), giving a sense of living through an experience. The expression typically takes a direct object representing the experience, such as a danger, a loss, or a memory. The present tense form átéli is used for third-person singular, as in “Ő átéli a veszélyt.” The concept also appears in other tense forms and moods, with the root still conveying the thorough, lived experience rather than a passive encounter.

Usage and nuance: átéli is common in both everyday speech and literary writing. It often emphasizes the subjective processing of events—emotions, reflections, and internal change that result from experiences. It can be used with both positive and negative experiences, though it frequently appears in contexts involving hardship, trauma, or significant events. Examples include: “A háború borzalmait átéli,” or “Ő mélyen átéli a veszteséget.”

See also: átélés, élmény, érzelem.