Upplýsandi

Upplýsandi is an Icelandic term that functions as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something that provides information or clarifies a matter, for example upplýsandi texti or upplýsandi gögn. As a noun, it can denote a person who furnishes information, i.e., an informant or source, especially in journalism, research, or investigative contexts.

Origin and form: It is formed from the verb upplýsa meaning to inform or illuminate, with the agent noun suffix -andi, which yields a term for someone or something that performs the action of the verb. The core sense centers on informing or clarifying. In modern usage, upplýsandi is commonly understood as either “informative” when describing materials, or “an informant” when referring to a person who provides information.

Usage notes: The noun may appear in formal writing, reports, or media. In everyday speech, speakers may choose more specific terms such as heimild or heimildarmaður to denote a source, while upplýsandi remains a standard, neutral term for something or someone that supplies information.

See also: Upplýsingar, Heimild, Upplýsingagjöf.