görelilik in 30 Sekunden
- Görelilik means 'relativity' and comes from the root 'göre' (according to).
- It is used in science (Einstein's theories) and philosophy (subjectivity).
- It is a C1-level word, primarily used in formal and academic contexts.
- It replaced the older Arabic-origin word 'izafiyet' in modern Turkish.
The Turkish word görelilik is a sophisticated abstract noun that translates to 'relativity' in English. It is a term deeply rooted in both scientific discourse and philosophical inquiry. Historically, Turkish used the Arabic-origin word izafiyet to express this concept, but during the Turkish Language Reform (Dil Devrimi) in the 20th century, the term görelilik was coined from the native root göre (meaning 'according to' or 'relative to'). This word is primarily used to describe the state or quality of being relative—the idea that the value, meaning, or nature of something is not absolute but depends on its relationship to something else.
- Scientific Context
- In physics, it specifically refers to Einstein's theories. You will often see the phrase Genel Görelilik (General Relativity) and Özel Görelilik (Special Relativity) in academic texts.
Einstein'ın görelilik kuramı modern fiziğin temel taşlarından biridir.
Beyond the laboratory, görelilik is used in social sciences, ethics, and linguistics to discuss how truth or morality can vary across cultures and individuals. For example, 'cultural relativity' is translated as kültürel görelilik. It suggests that there is no universal standard for judging human behavior. This word is essential for C1-level learners because it allows for the expression of complex, nuanced arguments regarding the subjectivity of human experience.
- Philosophical Usage
- It describes 'relativism'—the philosophical position that all points of view are equally valid and that all truth is relative to the individual.
Ahlaki görelilik tartışmaları yüzyıllardır devam etmektedir.
The word's structure is a masterclass in Turkish morphology. The root gör- (to see) becomes göre (according to what is seen/perceived). Adding the suffix -li creates the adjective göreli (relative). Finally, the abstract noun suffix -lik creates görelilik. This logical progression is typical of the Turkish language's agglutinative nature, making the word easy to deconstruct once you understand the building blocks.
Using görelilik correctly requires an understanding of Turkish case markers and sentence structure. Because it is a noun, it can take various suffixes depending on its role in the sentence. For instance, if it is the object of a sentence, it might take the accusative case: göreliliği.
- As a Subject
- When görelilik is the subject, it usually appears at the beginning of the sentence or before the verb in a standard SOV structure.
Görelilik, zamanın herkes için aynı akmadığını söyler.
In complex academic sentences, you will often see it paired with adjectives like kavramsal (conceptual), bilimsel (scientific), or toplumsal (societal). This allows for precise descriptions of what kind of relativity is being discussed. For example, dilsel görelilik refers to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis in linguistics—the idea that the language we speak influences how we perceive the world.
- In Compound Phrases
- Turkish often uses noun-noun compounds. In the phrase görelilik kuramı (theory of relativity), notice how 'kuram' takes the compound marker -ı.
Bu makale, dilsel görelilik üzerine yeni bir bakış açısı sunuyor.
When used in a more casual philosophical sense, it often appears in the structure '[Noun] + [Noun] + göreliliği'. For example, başarının göreliliği (the relativity of success). This emphasizes that success means different things to different people. It is a powerful tool for debating values and perceptions.
Zamanın göreliliği günlük hayatta da hissedilebilir.
While görelilik is a high-level C1 word, its presence is ubiquitous in Turkish intellectual life. You will encounter it most frequently in university lecture halls, especially within the departments of Physics, Philosophy, Sociology, and Literature. Professors use it to challenge students' absolute assumptions about reality. In a seminar on ethics, you might hear a student argue, 'Değerlerin göreliliği, evrensel bir ahlakın önündeki en büyük engeldir' (The relativity of values is the biggest obstacle to a universal morality).
Television documentaries and science channels (like TRT Belgesel or various YouTube science channels) are another prime location. When explaining black holes, the curvature of space-time, or the speed of light, narrators will repeatedly use görelilik to explain how measurements change depending on the observer's frame of reference. It is a keyword for anyone interested in 'Popüler Bilim' (Popular Science) in Turkey.
In the world of art and literary criticism, görelilik is used to describe the subjective interpretation of a work. A critic might write about the estetik görelilik (aesthetic relativity) of a modern painting, suggesting that its beauty is entirely dependent on the viewer's personal history and cultural background. This usage is common in intellectual magazines like Notos or Varlık.
Interestingly, you might also hear it in political debates. When a politician is accused of inconsistency, they or their supporters might defend themselves by pointing out the siyasi görelilik (political relativity) of their actions—arguing that what seems wrong in one context is necessary in another. This demonstrates the word's versatility beyond strictly scientific domains. Even in everyday conversations among educated circles, someone might end an argument by saying, 'Her şey görelidir' (Everything is relative), using the adjectival form to emphasize subjectivity.
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing görelilik with öznellik (subjectivity). While they are related, they are not identical. Öznellik refers to something being based on personal feelings or opinions. Görelilik, however, refers to a relationship between two or more things. In physics, relativity is a mathematical relationship, not just a 'feeling.' Using öznellik when you mean görelilik can make your scientific or philosophical arguments sound less rigorous.
Another common mistake involves the suffix -lik. Some learners try to use the root göre as a noun on its own in places where görelilik is required. For example, saying 'Zamanın göresi' is incorrect; it must be 'Zamanın göreliliği'. Remember that göre is a postposition (like 'according to'), while görelilik is the abstract concept of relativity.
Consonant mutation is also a hurdle. As mentioned before, the final 'k' in görelilik must change to 'ğ' when followed by a vowel-starting suffix. Failing to do this (göreliliki instead of göreliliği) is a hallmark of a non-native speaker. Furthermore, be careful with the word izafiyet. While it is a synonym, using it in modern social contexts might make you sound like you are speaking from a 1940s textbook. Stick to görelilik unless you are specifically discussing the history of science or reading older literature.
To truly master görelilik, you should understand how it compares to its synonyms and related terms. Turkish has several words that touch upon the idea of 'relation' or 'subjectivity,' each with its own specific register and nuance.
- İzafiyet
- This is the Arabic-origin precursor to görelilik. It is still widely recognized, especially in the phrase İzafiyet Teorisi. However, in modern academic writing, görelilik is much more common.
- Bağıntılılık
- Coming from the root bağ (tie/bond), this word means 'correlation' or 'interconnectedness'. While görelilik implies that something depends on a frame of reference, bağıntılılık focuses on the link between two variables.
- Öznellik
- This means 'subjectivity'. Use this when you want to emphasize that something is a matter of personal opinion rather than a structural or scientific relationship.
- Kıyaslanabilirlik
- This means 'comparability'. It is related because relativity often involves comparing two states, but it specifically refers to the ability to be compared.
Choosing the right word depends on whether you are talking about physics (görelilik), personal taste (öznellik), or historical texts (izafiyet). For a C1 learner, being able to swap these words based on the context is a sign of high-level proficiency.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
Before 'görelilik' was accepted, some linguists suggested 'izafiye' or 'bağıllık', but 'görelilik' won because of its intuitive link to 'göre'.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'ö' like 'o'.
- Pronouncing 'i' like 'ee' (it should be shorter).
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
- Failing to flap the 'r'.
- Treating the final 'k' as a hard 'g' in all contexts.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Requires understanding of complex scientific or philosophical contexts.
Challenging to use correctly in complex sentence structures with mutation.
Pronunciation is logical but the word is long.
Can be confused with 'göreli' or 'izafiyet' in fast speech.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Consonant Mutation (k -> ğ)
Görelilik + i = Göreliliği
Dative Case with 'Göre'
Bana göre, kitaba göre
Abstract Noun Suffix (-lik)
İyi -> İyilik, Göreli -> Görelilik
Noun Compounds
Görelilik kuramı (Relativity theory)
Adjective Suffix (-li)
Göre -> Göreli (Relative)
Beispiele nach Niveau
Bana göre bu kitap çok güzel.
According to me, this book is very beautiful.
Uses 'göre' as a postposition.
Sana göre hava nasıl?
How is the weather according to you?
Question form with 'göre'.
Anneme göre yemek lezzetli.
According to my mother, the food is delicious.
Noun + dative case + göre.
Bize göre burası çok uzak.
According to us, this place is very far.
Pronoun 'biz' in dative case.
Onlara göre film sıkıcıydı.
According to them, the movie was boring.
Pronoun 'onlar' in dative case.
Öğretmene göre ödev kolay.
According to the teacher, the homework is easy.
Noun 'öğretmen' in dative case.
Kediye göre süt harika.
According to the cat, milk is great.
Noun 'kedi' in dative case.
Hangi araba sana göre?
Which car is for you (according to your taste)?
Interrogative usage.
Bu iş bana göre değil.
This job is not for me (not suitable for me).
Negative usage with 'değil'.
Fiyata göre bu telefon çok iyi.
Relative to the price, this phone is very good.
'Göre' expressing comparison.
Hava durumuna göre yağmur yağacak.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain.
Noun phrase with 'göre'.
Boyuna göre çok hızlı koşuyor.
Relative to his height, he runs very fast.
Possessive + dative + göre.
Yaşına göre çok olgun bir çocuk.
Relative to his age, he is a very mature child.
Using 'göre' for relative assessment.
Planımıza göre saat beşte buluşacağız.
According to our plan, we will meet at five.
Possessive noun + göre.
Kurallara göre burada sigara içilmez.
According to the rules, smoking is not allowed here.
Plural noun + göre.
Bu ayakkabılar tam bana göre.
These shoes are exactly for me (my style/size).
Idiomatic use of 'bana göre'.
Güzellik göreli bir kavramdır.
Beauty is a relative concept.
Using the adjective 'göreli'.
Zamanın göreliliği üzerine bir kitap okuyorum.
I am reading a book on the relativity of time.
Noun form 'görelilik' with possessive.
Her şeyin bir göreliliği vardır.
Everything has a relativity (is relative).
Abstract noun usage.
Bu sonuçlar bölgeye göre değişiyor.
These results change according to the region.
Verb 'değişmek' used with 'göre'.
Kültürel görelilik hakkında ne düşünüyorsun?
What do you think about cultural relativity?
Compound adjective phrase.
Hız, gözlemciye göre farklılık gösterir.
Speed shows difference according to the observer.
Scientific context.
Bu, tamamen bakış açısına göre değişir.
This changes entirely according to the perspective.
Common expression.
Görelilik kavramını anlamak zor olabilir.
It can be difficult to understand the concept of relativity.
Accusative case 'göreliliği' implied in compound.
Einstein, görelilik kuramıyla dünyayı değiştirdi.
Einstein changed the world with the theory of relativity.
Instrumental case with 'ile'.
Ahlaki görelilik, toplumdan topluma değişir.
Moral relativity changes from society to society.
Abstract philosophical subject.
Bu makale, dilsel görelilik teorisini savunuyor.
This article defends the theory of linguistic relativity.
Specific academic term.
Zamanın göreliliğini ilk kez bu derste öğrendim.
I learned about the relativity of time for the first time in this class.
Accusative case: göreliliğini.
Görelilik, mutlak gerçeklik fikrine meydan okur.
Relativity challenges the idea of absolute reality.
Advanced verb 'meydan okumak'.
Sanatta görelilik, izleyicinin yorumuna bağlıdır.
Relativity in art depends on the viewer's interpretation.
Using 'bağlıdır' (depends on).
Ekonomik veriler, seçilen yıla göre görelilik gösterir.
Economic data show relativity according to the chosen year.
Formal business context.
Onun başarısı, başlangıç noktasına göre değerlendirilmeli.
His success should be evaluated relative to the starting point.
Passive voice 'değerlendirilmeli'.
Genel görelilik, kütleçekimini uzay-zamanın bükülmesi olarak açıklar.
General relativity explains gravity as the curvature of space-time.
Highly technical scientific sentence.
Postmodernizm, hakikatin göreliliği üzerine inşa edilmiştir.
Postmodernism is built upon the relativity of truth.
Philosophical terminology.
Özel görelilik kuramına göre ışık hızı sabittir.
According to the special theory of relativity, the speed of light is constant.
Dative case on 'kuram'.
Bu fenomenin göreliliği, deney sonuçlarını etkileyebilir.
The relativity of this phenomenon can affect the experimental results.
Subject of a complex sentence.
Yazar, zamanın göreliliğini romanında bir tema olarak kullanmış.
The author used the relativity of time as a theme in their novel.
Literary analysis.
Görelilik ilkesi, fizik yasalarının her yerde aynı olduğunu varsayar.
The principle of relativity assumes that physical laws are the same everywhere.
Scientific principle.
Bilginin göreliliği tartışması, epistemolojinin merkezindedir.
The debate on the relativity of knowledge is at the center of epistemology.
Academic jargon.
Kavramsal görelilik, farklı dillerin dünyayı farklı kurguladığını öne sürer.
Conceptual relativity suggests that different languages construct the world differently.
Linguistic theory.
Kuantum mekaniği ile genel görelilik arasındaki uyuşmazlık hala çözülememiştir.
The incompatibility between quantum mechanics and general relativity remains unresolved.
Advanced physics debate.
Ontolojik görelilik, varlık kategorilerinin dile bağımlı olduğunu savunur.
Ontological relativity argues that categories of being are language-dependent.
High-level philosophy.
Siyasal eylemlerin meşruiyeti, tarihsel görelilik süzgecinden geçirilmelidir.
The legitimacy of political actions must be passed through the filter of historical relativity.
Metaphorical academic language.
Göreliliğin sınırlarını zorlayan bu yeni teori, bilim dünyasında yankı uyandırdı.
This new theory, pushing the boundaries of relativity, caused a stir in the scientific world.
Complex participial phrase.
Etik görelilik, evrensel insan hakları kavramıyla çelişebilir.
Ethical relativity may contradict the concept of universal human rights.
Legal and ethical discussion.
Zamanın ve mekanın göreliliği, algımızın ötesinde bir gerçekliğe işaret eder.
The relativity of time and space points to a reality beyond our perception.
Metaphysical usage.
İzafiyet kelimesinin yerini alan görelilik, öz Türkçe hareketinin bir ürünüdür.
Görelilik, which replaced the word izafiyet, is a product of the Pure Turkish movement.
Linguistic history.
Gözlemcinin konumu, görelilik gereği, ölçülen değeri doğrudan belirler.
The observer's position, by necessity of relativity, directly determines the measured value.
Scientific necessity phrase 'gereği'.
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— A common phrase meaning everything depends on your perspective.
Üzülme, her şey görelidir; bugün kötü olan yarın iyi olabilir.
— The margin of relativity or subjectivity in a statement.
Bu değerlendirmede büyük bir görelilik payı var.
— To vary from person to person (related to relativity).
Mutluluk tanımı kişiden kişiye değişir.
— A relative situation (using the synonym 'göreceli').
Bu oldukça göreceli bir durum.
— The relativity of time (using the older term).
Zamanın izafiyeti üzerine düşündün mü?
— Consistent within itself (often used when discussing relative systems).
Bu teori kendi içinde tutarlı ama görelidir.
— A common variant of 'görelilik' (often used interchangeably).
Görecelik akımı sanatı etkiledi.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Used to say there is no 'my way' or 'your way', only the truth/rules.
Bu işin bana göresi sana göresi yok, kurallar belli.
Informal— Tastes and colors are not to be argued (classic idiom for relativity of taste).
Neden o elbiseyi aldın? Neyse, zevkler ve renkler tartışılmaz.
Neutral— It depends on where you are looking from.
Bu bir son mu yoksa başlangıç mı? Nereden baktığına bağlı.
Neutral— To live in one's own world (extreme subjective relativity).
O her şeyi farklı görüyor, kendi dünyasında yaşıyor.
Informal— Every hero has his own way of eating yogurt (everyone has their own relative method).
Bırak istediği gibi yapsın, her yiğidin bir yoğurt yiyişi vardır.
Proverb— The heart does not listen to decrees (relativity of love/desire).
Neden onu seviyor anlamıyorum ama gönül ferman dinlemez.
Literary— One mind is superior to another (relativity of wisdom).
Başkasının fikrini de al, akıl akıldan üstündür.
Proverb— A sound coming from every head (chaos due to too many relative opinions).
Toplantıda her kafadan bir ses çıktı, hiçbir şeye karar veremedik.
Informal— According to whom, according to what? (A challenge to relativity).
Bu çok pahalı dedin ama kime göre, neye göre?
Neutral— The state of the world (things change and are relative).
Üzülme, bugün varsın yarın yoksun; dünya hali.
NeutralWortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Göre' (According to) + 'li' (with) + 'lik' (ness). So, 'According-to-with-ness'. It's the 'ness' of being 'according to' something.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a clock melting over a ruler. The ruler measures differently depending on how fast the clock moves. This is the visual of Einstein's relativity.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'görelilik' in a sentence about your favorite food and why someone else might hate it.
Wortherkunft
Coined during the 1930s Language Reform. It is derived from the Old Turkic root 'gör-' (to see).
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The state of being according to what is seen or perceived.
TurkicKultureller Kontext
Be careful when using 'ahlaki görelilik' (moral relativity) in very religious or conservative circles, as it can be a sensitive topic regarding absolute truths.
English speakers use 'relativity' mostly for science and 'relativism' for philosophy. Turkish uses 'görelilik' for both.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Physics Class
- Işık hızı
- Referans sistemi
- Zaman genişlemesi
- Eşzamanlılık
Philosophy Debate
- Mutlak hakikat
- Öznel yargı
- Kültürel değerler
- Etik normlar
Art Critique
- Estetik algı
- İzleyici yorumu
- Bağlamsal analiz
- Güzellik kavramı
Linguistics Seminar
- Dil ve düşünce
- Sözcük dağarcığı
- Dünya görüşü
- Yapısalcılık
Casual Discussion
- Bana göre
- Bakış açısı
- Kişisel fikir
- Değişebilir
Gesprächseinstiege
"Zamanın göreliliği hakkında ne düşünüyorsun?"
"Sence ahlaki görelilik toplum için tehlikeli mi?"
"Einstein'ın görelilik kuramını basitçe anlatabilir misin?"
"Kültürel görelilik evrensel insan haklarını nasıl etkiler?"
"Güzelliğin göreliliği sence bir klişe mi yoksa gerçek mi?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Hayatındaki bir olayın göreliliği üzerine düşün ve yaz.
Başarı kavramının senin için göreliliğini açıkla.
Zamanın bazen hızlı bazen yavaş geçmesinin sendeki göreliliğini anlat.
Bir tartışmada görelilik kavramını nasıl kullanırsın?
Mutlak gerçeklerin olmadığı bir dünyada görelilik nerede durur?
Summary
Görelilik is the essential Turkish word for 'relativity,' used to express that truth, time, or values are not absolute but depend on a frame of reference. Example: 'Zamanın göreliliği şaşırtıcıdır' (The relativity of time is surprising).
- Görelilik means 'relativity' and comes from the root 'göre' (according to).
- It is used in science (Einstein's theories) and philosophy (subjectivity).
- It is a C1-level word, primarily used in formal and academic contexts.
- It replaced the older Arabic-origin word 'izafiyet' in modern Turkish.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr science Wörter
astronot
B1Astronaut
ayrıştırma
B2Der systematische Prozess der Trennung oder Sortierung von Bestandteilen.
ayrıştırmak
B2Etwas in seine Bestandteile zerlegen oder trennen.
beyin
B1brain
bileşen
B2Eine Komponente ist ein Teil eines größeren Ganzen.
bilim
A2science
bilimsel
B2scientific
biyoloji
B1Biologie ist die Lehre von den Lebewesen.
boyut
B1Dimension, Größe. 'Die Dateigröße ist zu groß.' 'Das Thema hat eine neue Dimension erreicht.'
buhar
A2steam
