Grundlig

Grundlig is a Swedish adjective meaning thorough, meticulous, or well-founded. It denotes that something is examined, prepared, or carried out with completeness, depth, and attention to detail, rather than superficial or rushed. The term is commonly used to describe analyses, investigations, reviews, or preparations that aim for comprehensiveness.

Etymology and usage context: Grundlig is built from grund, meaning foundation or basis, combined with the suffix -lig, which forms adjectives that indicate “having the quality of.” The word thus signals a solid, well-considered basis for the described object or action. It has cognates in related Scandinavian languages, reflecting shared Germanic roots and similar meanings.

Common usages: In Swedish, grundlig is typically used with nouns such as genomgång (review), undersökning (investigation), förberedelse (preparation), or arbete (work). For example, en grundlig genomgång av fallet means a thorough review of the case, and en grundlig förberedelse means thorough preparation. The adverb form is grundligt.

Synonyms and nuance: Related terms include noggrann (careful, meticulous), omfattande (comprehensive), and fullständig (complete). Grundlig generally conveys a positive assessment, implying depth, careful consideration, and avoidance of superficial treatment.

See also: The concept is part of a broader set of descriptors used to qualify quality and rigor in research, critique, and professional work within Swedish discourse.