Izgled is a common noun in several South Slavic languages, including Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin. It refers to the outward form, appearance, or look of something or someone.
Etymology
The word "izgled" originates from Proto-Slavic *izględъ. It is formed from the prefix *iz- (meaning "out of," "from," or indicating completion) and the root *ględati (meaning "to look," "to gaze," "to see"). Thus, it literally translates to "that which is looked out upon" or "the way something looks."
Meanings
"Izgled" can encompass several related meanings depending on the context:
- Appearance (physical): The visual characteristics of a person, object, or place.
- Example: Njen izgled je bio besprekoran. (Her appearance was impeccable.)
- Look/Aspect: The general impression or characteristic quality of something.
- Example: Izgled sobe se promenio posle renoviranja. (The look of the room changed after the renovation.)
- Prospect/Outlook: (Less common for "izgled" alone, often with modifiers, but related to "what it looks like in the future.") This usage is more common for related words or phrases like "izgledi" (plural, meaning prospects).
- View/Semblance: The external form or manifestation of something, often implying how it seems to be.
Grammar
In Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, "izgled" is a masculine noun. Its declension follows the standard patterns for masculine nouns.