Hugsanlegur

Hugsanlegur is an Icelandic adjective meaning "possible" or "conceivable." It describes something that could occur, be true, or be achieved under certain conditions. The term is used to discuss hypotheticals, predictions, or options and is common in both everyday language and formal writing. A thing can be hugsanlegt without being certain, indicating potential rather than inevitability.

Etymology and forms: Hugsanlegur derives from hugsa, "to think," with the suffix -legur, forming an adjective that literally means "thinkable." It declines like a regular Icelandic adjective: hugsanlegur (masculine singular), hugsanleg (feminine singular), hugsanlegt (neuter singular); plural forms are hugsanlegir (masculine), hugsanlegar (feminine), hugsanleg (neuter). Adverbs are formed with hugsanlega as in "hugsanlega lausn" (a possible solution).

Usage and nuances: Hugsanlegur conveys conceptual or logical possibility, often in contrast to certainty or necessity. It frequently appears with verbs like er (is) or geta (can): "Það er hugsanlegt" (It is possible), "Það er hugsanlegt að koma í ljós" (It is possible that it will come to light). The word can also modify nouns, as in "hugsanlegar niðurstöður" (possible results) or "hugsanlegar leiðir" (possible approaches). In many contexts, it sits between more tentative "can" and stronger "mögulegur," with a nuance of considering options or what could be.

Synonyms and related terms: Mögulegur is a close synonym but can carry a broader sense of feasibility in real conditions. Hugsanlegur often emphasizes the idea of what can be thought of or imagined, while mögulegur emphasizes practical possibility.

See also: Icelandic grammar of adjectives; usage notes on be- and can-constructions.