Utpekar

Utpekar is a Swedish verb meaning to point out, indicate, or designate someone or something as a particular thing or category. It is used to identify or single out a person, role, attribute, or object within a statement, report, or argument.

Etymology and form: The verb is formed from the prefix ut- meaning outward or designated, combined with peka meaning to point. It is transitive and takes a direct object. In common inflection, the present tense is utpekar (he/she/it points out), the past tense utpekade, and the supine or past participle utpekat. The perfect form is har utpekat.

Usage and nuance: Utpekar is used when the speaker designates or identifies someone or something as belonging to a category, being responsible for something, or being the subject of consideration. It often carries a sense of formal identification rather than mere indication. It appears in journalism, reports, and academic writing. It can be contrasted with synonyms such as visa (to show) or designera (to designate). In everyday language, speakers may opt for alternatives like pekar ut, depending on nuance and register.

Examples: The report utpekar three individuals as responsible. Forskningen utpekar ett samband mellan kost och hälsa. Flera vittnen utpekas som trovärdiga.

See also: peka, utpekning, identifiera.