Staðreynd

Staðreynd is an Icelandic noun meaning “fact” or “actual state of affairs.” It refers to an aspect of reality that can be verified, demonstrated, or established through evidence, observation, or measurement. In everyday language, staðreynd signals information presented as a matter of fact rather than opinion.

Philosophically and in practice, staðreynd is often understood as the factual status of a proposition: whether it corresponds to what actually exists or occurred. This use is closely related to the idea of verifiable reality, though it is distinct from the broader concept of truth, which concerns justification and the soundness of a belief. In common usage, the boundary between fact and truth can blur when evidence is incomplete or contested.

Domains and usage: In journalism and media, staðreyndir are the verifiable details that support reporting. In science and research, the term appears when referring to data, measurements, or results that have been validated. In legal and policy contexts, staðreyndir are the established facts underpinning decisions or judgments. The plural form staðreyndir is used when citing multiple facts.

Related concepts and terms include sannleikur (truth), verifiable evidence, and epistemology, which examines the nature and scope of knowledge and justification. While closely related to truth, staðreynd emphasizes objective, demonstrable aspects of reality as they are observed or proven rather than broader notions of correctness or belief.