decât
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Romanian
[edit]Etymology
[edit]From de (“of”) + cât (“how much”). First attested in c. 1574.[1]
Pronunciation
[edit]Adverb
[edit]decât
- 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.
- (in negative constructions) only, nothing but
Usage notes
[edit]In the "only" sense, it is also used in positive constructions (aduci decât necazuri ― same meaning as above), a common solecism associated with southern speakers.[2]
Derived terms
[edit]Conjunction
[edit]decât
- than
- (in negative constructions) only, nothing but
- (obsolete or regional) Synonym of însă (“but”)
- (with să) rather than, instead of
- (with că, colloquial) it’s just that…
Usage notes
[edit]See above.
References
[edit]- ^ decât in DEX online—Dicționare ale limbii române (Dictionaries of the Romanian language)
- ^ Rodica Zafiu (2011) “Decât o negație”, in România Literară[1], number 14