Underforstått

Underforstått is a linguistic term used in Swedish and Norwegian to describe something that is understood without being stated aloud; it can be translated as tacit, implicit, or unwritten. The word combines a preposition meaning “under” with a form of the verb forstår/forstå, yielding a sense of understandment that is not explicitly expressed.

In Swedish, underförstått can function as an adjective or an adverb and is found in constructions such as Det var underförstått att alla skulle närvara, meaning “It was implicitly understood that everyone would attend.” In Norwegian, the equivalent form underforstått serves a similar role, signaling an assumption that is not overtly declared.

Usage and nuance: Underforstått typically refers to mutual expectations, norms, or conditions that participants in a situation are assumed to share without explicit wording. The term can convey a neutral descriptive meaning or carry a slightly critical tone if one party doubts that the unspoken condition was truly agreed upon. It contrasts with statements that are explicit or clearly stated.

Translations and related terms: English equivalents include tacit, implicit, and unwritten. Related linguistic concepts include implicature and presupposition, which describe how meaning can be conveyed beyond what is explicitly said.

See also: Implicature, Presupposition, Tacit knowledge.