Partikulært

Partikulært is a term used in Danish (and similarly in Norwegian) that functions as both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective, it describes something specific or particular, for example in phrases like et partikulært eksempel or et partikulært tilfælde. As an adverb, it can be used to mean “in particular” or “specifically,” for instance: partikulært set er det vigtigt at forstå forskellen.

Etymology and background: Partikulært comes from Latin particulāris through the Romance and Germanic linguistic tradition into Danish. The form partikulær is the corresponding adjective, while partikulært is the neuter or adverbial variant used in various syntactic contexts. The word is widely used in formal, academic, and legal language, as well as in philosophical writing to distinguish the particular from the universal.

Usage and nuance: The term signals a focus on a distinct item, case, or aspect rather than on general or universal properties. It is often contrasted with words like generelt, særligt, især, or universelt. In philosophical and logical discourse, partikulær is used to discuss particulars as opposed to universals, often in discussions of ontology, epistemology, or rhetoric.

Cross-language notes: Danish and Norwegian speakers use partikulært with similar meaning and nuance. In Swedish, a closely related form is partikulärt, used in analogous contexts, though the exact frequency and register may differ. In everyday language, more common synonyms to express emphasis on a single aspect include særligt or især.

See also: partikkel, partikulær, universal, særligt.