Passelig

Passelig is an adjective used primarily in Danish and Norwegian to describe something that is fitting, appropriate, or adequate for a given purpose. It implies suitability without excess, similar to the idea of “reasonable” or “moderate” in English. The term can apply to objects, prices, sizes, or arrangements that meet the requirements at hand.

Etymology and variants: Passelig derives from the verb passe “to fit” or “to suit” with the adjectival suffix -lig, forming “having the quality of being fit.” The sense of fit ranges from physical sizing to suitability for a situation. In historical Swedish, a cognate form “passlig” appeared, but contemporary Swedish more often uses “passande” or “lagom” for this sense.

Usage: In Danish and Norwegian usage, common collocations include passelig pris (a reasonable price), passelig størrelse (a proper size), or en passelig løsning (an adequate solution). The nuance is one of moderate sufficiency rather than excess; intensification can be achieved with modifiers such as ganske or vel to emphasize degree relative to a standard. The term is widely understood in everyday speech and writing and is considered neutral.

See also: Related terms include passende and passande in contexts of suitability, as well as lagom in some Swedish contexts. Usage may vary by language and region, reflecting nuances in what is considered adequately fitting for a given situation.