Mottaglig

Mottaglig is a Swedish adjective meaning capable of receiving something or open to influence, ideas, or stimuli. It is used for both people and systems to indicate receptiveness or susceptibility. The word is commonly combined with the preposition för, as in mottaglig för nya idéer or mottaglig för infektion.

Etymology: Mottaglig is formed from the verb mottaga, “to receive,” plus the adjectival suffix -lig, yielding “able to receive.” The related noun mottaglighet denotes the property of being receptive or susceptible and is used in more formal or scientific contexts.

Usage notes: Mottaglig is neutral in tone and widely used in scientific, educational, and journalistic writing. It can describe psychological openness—being receptive to criticism or new perspectives—as well as physical susceptibility, such as vulnerability to disease. It is distinct from terms that emphasize resistance or immunity; for example, someone can be mottaglig for a pathogen even if other protective factors are present. In everyday language it is often paired with för, for example mottaglig för kritik or mottaglig för influenser.

Examples: Barn är ofta mer mottagliga för förkylningar under vintermånaderna. En bra lärare skapar en miljö där eleverna är mottagliga för kritik och förbättring.

See also: mottaglighet, the noun form describing the property of receptiveness or susceptibility.