Melainken
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Definition & Context
ConjunctionConjunction
A word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause.
A contrastive conjunction indicating an exception or correction to the previous clause; the old Van Ophuijsen spelling of the standard word “melainkan”.
Synonyms & Variants
kecuali
A preposition indicating an exception.
melainkan
A conjunction expressing exception or restriction against a preceding statement.
namun
A conjunction indicating contrast or opposition in a sentence.
tetapi
An intra-sentence conjunction used to express opposition or contrast.
Usage Notes or Etymology
This word stems from the root lain with the prefix me- and suffix -kan following the Van Ophuijsen spelling system. Historically, the -en suffix reflects Dutch phonological influence on early 20th-century Malay transcription. This conjunction was ubiquitous in formal correspondence and colonial literature to provide a sharp emphasis on informational correction. In the social context of tempo doeloe, melainken functioned as an elegant rhetorical marker. Its usage signaled a degree of intellectuality and adherence to the administrative language standards of the Dutch East Indies era. The word was employed to negate specific attributions in favor of introducing the actual fact, frequently appearing in legal debates or classic literary narratives.
Real-world Usage
Ia boekan pendjoeroe biasa, melainken soeorang sasterawan ternama di kotaradja. (Ia bukan penjual biasa, melainkan seorang sastrawan ternama di ibu kota.)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.