Staðreyndir

Staðreyndir are statements about reality that can be verified or proven with evidence. In Icelandic usage, a staðreynd forms the basis of factual reporting, scientific description, and historical record. It is distinguished from interpretation, opinion, or value judgments; while a claim may be suggested by data or testimony, a staðreynd asserts correspondence with actual states of affairs and is open to verification.

The term is commonly understood as “established truth” or “fact” in Icelandic. It is used across journalism, education, law, and science to denote information that has been corroborated by reliable sources or empirical data. In practice, a staðreynd is supported by sources such as records, measurements, or peer-reviewed research, and can be checked by others through transparent methodologies or replication where applicable.

Verification and standards are central to handling staðreyndir. Fact-checking processes, source credibility, and the use of primary data help ensure accuracy. It is important to acknowledge that some facts may be contested or subject to revision as new evidence emerges; qualifiers such as “according to” or “estimates” are used when uncertainty exists.

In public discourse, the emphasis on staðreyndir helps distinguish objective information from opinion and rhetoric. Education and media often stress source evaluation, evidence-based reasoning, and careful wording to maintain trust and accountability. See also fact-checking, misinformation, and evidence.