Hlutlaust

Hlutlaust is an Icelandic adjective and adverb meaning neutral, impartial, or unbiased. It is used to describe people, positions, or processes that do not take sides or favor a particular outcome. In journalism, science, law, and public discourse, hlutlaust indicates a lack of bias in presentation, evaluation, or decision-making. The term is closely related to the noun hlutleysi, which denotes neutrality or impartiality.

As a concept, hlutlaust is applied across contexts: media coverage, research evaluations, and official statements are described as hlutlaust when they aim to reflect facts without taking sides. In everyday language, it conveys that no party or perspective is being privileged. The adverbial use is common, signaling that an action was performed in a neutral manner, for example in descriptions or assessments that strive for objectivity.

Etymology and usage notes: the word hlutlaust is the neuter singular and adverbial form of hlutlaus, formed from hlut- (part) and -laus (without). The sense of "without bias" has developed from the idea of a viewpoint not aligned with any side. The related noun is hlutleysi (neutrality), and common opposites include hlutdrægni (bias) and partisanship in Icelandic.

See also: hlutleysi, hlutdrægni, impartiality, neutrality. These terms are used to discuss the presence or absence of bias in analysis, reporting, and decision-making.