Alvarlegt

Alvarlegt is an Icelandic adjective meaning serious, grave, or solemn. It is used to describe matters, situations, or tones that are weighty or of importance, rather than light or frivolous. For example, people speak of alvarlegt mál, “a serious matter,” that requires discussion or action.

In Icelandic, adjectives inflect for gender and number: alvarlegur (masculine), alvarleg (feminine), and alvarlegt (neuter). When describing a neutral noun, you would often use alvarlegt; for example, alvarlegt mál means a serious matter. The form you choose depends on the gender and definiteness of the noun it modifies.

The word has cognates in the Scandinavian languages: Danish alvorlig and Norwegian alvorlig, all sharing roots in Old Norse and older Germanic languages. The sense of gravity or weightiness in discourse is a common thread across these languages.

The noun form alvarleiki denotes seriousness or gravitas, and appears in more formal writing or discussion of policy, philosophy, or ethical considerations. In everyday speech, alvarlegt is commonly used to indicate that a matter deserves careful attention or a measured, sober approach.

Examples:

- Það er alvarlegt mál sem þarf að ræða. (That is a serious matter that needs to be discussed.)

- Ræða formannsins var alvarleg. (The chairman’s speech was serious in tone.)

See also: alvarleiki, alvarlegur, Icelandic adjective declension, seriousness in language.