Bestämt

Bestämt is a Swedish word that functions as a past participle of the verb bestämma, as an adjective, and, in some contexts, as an adverb. In its core sense it conveys that something is decided, fixed, or definite. As a participle, bestämt appears in tenses such as har bestämt (have decided). As an adjective, it can describe nouns when something is settled or firmly established, for example ett bestämt beslut or en bestämd plan. In some constructions it also serves an adverbial role, indicating certainty or resolution, as in det är bestämt att vi går vidare.

Etymology and form

The form derives from the verb bestämma, which means to decide, determine, or fix. The prefix be- adds a sense of thoroughness or definiteness, and the root stem relates to fixing or setting. The past participle is written and pronounced as bestämt, and its attributive form varies with the noun it modifies (for example en bestämd plan, ett bestämt beslut). In predicative use, it expresses that something is settled or resolved.

Usage and meanings

Bestämt is commonly used in four related ways:

- To indicate a settled decision: vi har bestämt oss, det är bestämt att vi åker.

- As an adjective describing firmness or definiteness: en bestämd plan, ett bestämt svar.

- In phrases meaning definite or resolute tone: en bestämd ton.

- As an adverbial sense of certainty in fixed expressions: det är bestämt så.

Synonyms and related terms include bestämd, definitiv, säkert, fast, and beslut. Antonyms would be osäker, oklart, vacklande.

See also

bestämma, beslut, beslutande process, definitvitet.