Mannlegu

Mannlegu is a form of the Icelandic adjective mannlegur, meaning human or humane. It is used to describe neuter nouns in the dative case and appears in contexts where a preposition governs the dative, for example after í (in) or með (with). In these constructions, the neuter singular dative form of the adjective is mannlegu, as in í mannlegu samfélagi (in a humane/human society) or með mannlegu hugarfari (with a humane mindset).

Grammar-wise, mannlegu illustrates how Icelandic adjectives inflect for gender, number, and case. While the neuter nominative form is often mannlegt, the dative neuter singular form becomes mannlegu in phrases that require that case. This form is most commonly encountered in formal or written Icelandic, particularly in philosophical, ethical, or sociopolitical writing.

Etymology traces mannlegur to the root mann- (man, human) with a suffix that marks the adjective as pertaining to that base meaning. The form mannlegu thus carries the core sense of relating to human qualities when modifying a suitable neuter noun in the dative.

In usage, mannlegu contrasts with other inflected forms such as mannlegt (neuter nominative/accusative) and mannlegur (masculine nominative). Understanding these forms helps in recognizing how Icelandic adjectives agree with nouns across gender and case in different syntactic contexts.