Sveigjanleg

Sveigjanleg is Icelandic an adjective meaning flexible, pliant, or adaptable, capable of bending or adjusting easily. It is used for both physical properties of materials and for non-physical qualities such as plans, policies, or behavior. A material described as sveigjanlegt can bend or stretch without breaking, while a policy or approach described as sveigjanleg can be adjusted to changing circumstances.

Etymology and forms: The word comes from sveigja, “to bend,” combined with the -janleg- suffix that forms adjectives indicating capability. In standard Icelandic, adjectives inflect for gender, number, and definiteness, so the form of sveigjanleg changes accordingly (for example, masculine, feminine, neuter, and definite forms). The corresponding noun is sveigjanleiki, meaning flexibility or elasticity.

Usage notes: Sveigjanleg is common in technical contexts (sveigjanlegt efni, i.e., flexible material) as well as in everyday language. It is frequently used to describe adaptable strategies, schedules, work practices, or attitudes. Antonyms include stífur or stöðugur, indicating stiffness or rigidity.

Examples:

- Þetta efni er mjög sveigjanlegt og þolir marga teygjur.

- Stefna fyrirtækisins verður sveigjanleg til að mæta markaði.

- Hann er sveigjanlegur í vinnu sinni og sækir lausnir sem henta aðstæðum.

See also: sveigjanleiki (flexibility), teygjanleiki (elasticity), and related terms describing elasticity or adaptability.