Eðli

Eðli is an Icelandic noun meaning "nature" or "essence." It denotes the intrinsic character or properties of a person, object, or phenomenon. In philosophy, eðli is used to discuss the essential nature of something and is often contrasted with contingent attributes; it points to what constitutes its underlying constitution.

In everyday language, eðli can refer to temperament or disposition. For example, "hann hefur gott eðli" translates roughly as "he has a good nature/character." The word also participates in compound terms such as eðlisfræði (physics), where it connects to the study of the natural world. In literature and theology, eðli is employed to speak of inherent nature, moral character, or divine essence.

Eðli is a native Icelandic term with a long presence in the language and is central to discussions of nature, mind, and being in secular and religious contexts.