Talið

Talið is an Icelandic noun meaning “the number” or “the tally.” It is the definite singular form of the noun tala (count, number) and is used when referring to a specific number or result of counting. In everyday language, talið can denote the numerical value under discussion or the total of items, votes, or events that has been tallied.

In mathematics and statistics, talið appears when specifying a particular quantity or when describing data that result from counting. It can also appear in phrases describing a calculation, such as “talið er …” to introduce a value. The form is part of Icelandic noun inflection, shifting for case and number in longer sentences, though the definite singular talið is most common when a definite number is being referred to.

Etymology: The word is derived from the Icelandic root tala or tal, related to counting and numbers, with cognates found across the Germanic languages in similar forms.

Usage notes: Talið is used with both concrete and abstract numbers, from counting items to denoting numerical values in graphs and tables. It is distinct from the indefinite form tala, which may refer to the concept of a number rather than a specific value.

See also: tala, tal, number (in Icelandic dictionaries)