Synnerleg

Synnerleg is a regional and historical form used in Norwegian and to some extent in related Scandinavian varieties to mean especially, particularly, or very. In Norwegian, synnerleg functions as an intensifying modifier, typically an adverb or adjective, and is most often found in dialectal or older texts. In modern standard Norwegian, forms such as spesielt or særlig are more common, while synnerleg may be encountered in regional literature or historical writings.

The term is documented in Norwegian linguistic material dating from medieval and early modern periods, though its precise etymology is not always clear. It is generally understood as an intensifier that heightens the attribute it accompanies, similar in function to other regional words that convey emphasis or extremity. In contemporary usage, synnerleg is perceived as archaic or dialectal in many contexts, and speakers may replace it with more widely used equivalents.

Usage and examples are typically found in written Norwegian rather than everyday speech today. Examples in the Norwegian context might appear as: “Dette er synnerleg viktig” meaning “This is especially/very important.” Another instance could be, “Han var synnerleg ivrig” meaning “He was extremely eager.” Because of its regional character, readers should be aware that synnerleg may feel dated or nonstandard outside of specific communities.

See also: særlig, spesielt (Norwegian equivalents), särskilt (Swedish). See also dialect word lists or dictionaries such as Norwegian regional glossaries for documentation of historical or dialectal terms.