Sveigjanlegur

Sveigjanlegur is Icelandic an adjective meaning flexible, adaptable, or pliable. It describes physical objects that can bend or yield without breaking and also abstract things such as plans, policies, or schedules that can be adjusted in response to new circumstances. The corresponding noun is sveigjanleiki, which denotes the quality of flexibility or pliability.

Origin and usage: The word is formed from the verb sveigja, “to bend,” with the suffix -janlegur indicating capability. It appears in standard Icelandic across domains such as science, engineering, business, and everyday language. The comparative and superlative forms are sveigjanlegri and sveigjanlegastur. The related noun sveigjanleiki denotes flexibility, and the term is used in both technical and figurative contexts to discuss how easily something can adapt or bend to fit requirements.

Usage notes: In materials science, sveigjanlegt efni refers to a substance that can bend easily without breaking, such as rubber or certain polymers. In management and design, sveigjanlegt vinnu- eða verkefnakerfi describes plans, work arrangements, or modular systems that can be adjusted to changing needs. Antonyms include stífur (rigid) and óaðlögunarhæfur (inflexible). Examples: “Dette efni er sveigjanlegt og þolir mikla sveigju án brots.” “Skipulagið þarf að vera sveigjanlegt til að mæta breyttum kröfum markaðarins.”