“opuszczonych” vs. “porzuconych”
In property records, what is the difference between the words “opuszczonych” and “porzuconych”?
The difference between these two words is very subtle. Here is how the meaning of these words are described by several native Polish speakers:
- I would translate these two words as “left” vs. “abandoned.”
“Opuszczonych”: left because of natural circumstances: moving, death etc.
“Porzuconych”: abandoned because someone was forced to leave it behind.
At least this is how I understand it. - “Opuszczonych” means “left” (verb). In this context: real estate which the owners left because they went away. Now the real estate is empty; nobody lives there anymore.
“Porzuconych” seems to be stronger. In this context: real estate abandoned by the owners (forever). - Both words indicate abandoned property.
“Opuszczona”: for example, property that has been taken over by someone (e.g., the occupation authorities) and therefore you have to leave it.
“Porzucona: you abandon the property yourself and move out, without being forced by anyone. - Those are synonyms. However…
“Opuszczonych” was used when the owner was killed and there were no descendants.
“Porzuconych” was used when the owner was living or possibly living. - These two words mean almost the same thing: “abandoned.”
“Opuszczony”: may refer to a situation in which the reason for the lack of an owner is unknown.
“Porzucony”: refers to property that someone has consciously abandoned. - “Opuszczonych: for example, due to death of the owner.
“Porzuconych: for exmaple, due to the owner moving to another city.
Here is an example of a document (from Radoszyce, Poland, 1947) that uses these two words:
Polish:
Spis nieruchomości opuszczonych i porzuconych na terenie gminy Radoszyce powiatu Koneckiego według księgi kontowej
English translation:
list of abandoned [opuszczonych] and abandoned [porzuconych] properties in the Radoszyce commune, Końskie powiat according to the account book
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