Hægur

Hægur is an Icelandic adjective meaning slow in movement or tempo, or slow to act. It can describe physical pace, such as a slow vehicle or a slow-moving process, as well as a person who acts or responds with little speed. The term can have a neutral descriptive use or carry evaluative nuances, signaling laziness or reluctance in some contexts, while in others it can imply deliberateness or steadiness.

In modern Icelandic, hægur declines with gender and number like other adjectives and is used in both everyday speech and formal writing. The adverbial form hæglega means slowly, used to modify verbs and indicate the manner of action.

Hægur belongs to the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family and is a basic, stable word in the Icelandic lexicon. Its core meaning of slowness is retained in historical forms and across dialects, though exact usages and connotations can shift slightly with context and register.

Usage and nuance: the word can describe natural slowdowns in physics or machinery, or human behavior, from cautious deliberation to perceived sluggishness. The term often contrasts with hraður, the common Icelandic word for fast, highlighting differences in speed, efficiency, or urgency. Hægur is frequently found in descriptions of processes, timelines, and everyday life, where pace matters as a stylistic or evaluative feature.