Orðin

Orðin is the definite plural form of the Icelandic noun orð, meaning "word." It translates to "the words" in English and is used when referring to a specific set of words or to words that have already been mentioned in discourse. In Icelandic, definite forms are created by adding suffixes to the noun, so orðin marks a definite plural.

Morphology and usage: The base form orð represents the word in the singular, while orðið is the definite singular. The indefinite plural is typically orð, and the definite plural is orðin. This pattern follows standard Icelandic noun inflection for number and definiteness, without changing the root of the word.

Etymology and cognates: Orð is cognate with related Nordic words such as Danish ord, Swedish ord, and Norwegian ord, all meaning "word." The definite plural orðin is a common part of Icelandic grammar and appears in everyday language as well as formal texts.

Usage in context: Orðin is used when speakers refer to words as a known, specific group—for example, words in a particular text, a quotation, or a vocabulary list. In linguistic or lexicographic discussions, orðin serves to denote the set of words under consideration rather than any undetermined words. The term is a routine part of Icelandic discourse and writing.