decât

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Romanian

Etymology

From de (of) +‎ cât (how much). First attested in c. 1574.[1]

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /deˈkɨt/
  • Audio:(file)

Adverb

decât

  1. than
    Synonym: ca
    Am văzut ieri un film mai interesant decât acesta.
    I saw a movie more interesting than this one yesterday.
    Radu este mai mare decât mine.
    Radu is older than me.
  2. (in negative constructions) only, nothing but
    Synonyms: doar, numai
    Nu aduci decât necazuri.
    You only bring trouble.

Usage notes

In the "only" sense, it is also used in positive constructions (aduci decât necazurisame meaning as above), a common solecism associated with southern speakers.[2]

Derived terms

Conjunction

decât

  1. than
  2. (in negative constructions) only, nothing but
  3. (obsolete or regional) Synonym of însă (but)
  4. (with ) rather than, instead of
  5. (with , colloquial) it’s just that…

Usage notes

See above.

References

  1. ^ decât in DEX online—Dicționare ale limbii române (Dictionaries of the Romanian language)
  2. ^ Rodica Zafiu (2011) “Decât o negație”, in România Literară, number 14