Ovärderlig

Ovärderlig is a Swedish adjective meaning priceless or invaluable. It describes something of such great value that it cannot be reasonably appraised in monetary terms. The word is formed from värderlig (worthy of value) with the negating prefix o-, and the sense conveys an intensity of worth that extends beyond material price.

Usage and nuances: ovärderlig is commonly applied to relationships, experiences, memories, knowledge, or objects regarded as irreplaceable. In English, the closest translations are invaluable or priceless. The term is typically used in positive contexts, as in ovärderlig vänskap (an invaluable friendship) or ovärderlig kunskap (invaluable knowledge). It is less appropriate for situations described solely by scarcity or market value; for those, terms like unik or sällsynt might be more fitting.

Etymology: the formation reflects a standard Germanic-Swedish pattern where a value-related root is prefixed to indicate negation or intensification. värderlig itself derives from värde (value), while ovärderlig expresses value that defies easy valuation.

See also: värdefull (valuable), värdelös (worthless), ovärderlighet (concept of being invaluable; used in discussions of value or worth). While ovärderlig is common in everyday language, it is most often found in literary or emphatic contexts to stress exceptional importance.