Margvíslega

Margvíslega is an Icelandic adverb meaning “in many different ways” or “diversely.” It is used to express that something can be viewed, performed, or analyzed in multiple manners or from several aspects. The term often appears in formal or written Icelandic, including journalism, academic writing, and literature, where nuance about variety or multiplicity is intended.

Etymology and form: margvíslega is the adverbial form of the adjective margvíslegur, which translates roughly as “manifold” or “versatile.” The word is built from marg- meaning “many” and the suffix -vís- forming an adjective, with the adverbial suffix -lega converting the sense into “in a many-way or various manner.” This construction mirrors similar Icelandic patterns where adjectives describing breadth or variety have corresponding adverbs ending in -lega.

Usage and notes: Margvíslega typically modifies verbs or verb phrases to indicate a range of methods, aspects, or viewpoints. It can be paired with other adverbs or adjectives to intensify the sense of variety, for example in discussions of methods, interpretations, or findings. In everyday speech, other expressions such as fjölbreyttilega or á margvíslegan hátt may be used, but margvíslega remains common in more formal Nordic Icelandic contexts.

Related terms and translations: Related forms include margvíslegur (adjective, “manifold/diverse”) and margvíslegt (neuter singular form). English equivalents include “in many ways,” “in a variety of ways,” or “diversely.” The word conveys breadth and multiplicity without specifying which particular approaches are involved.

See also: margvíslegur, fjölbreyttur, fjölbreyttlega.