Utstråla

Utstråla is a Swedish verb meaning to radiate, emanate, or exude. It is used in both literal senses—emission of light, heat, or energy—and in figurative senses, referring to a person or atmosphere that seems to project a quality or mood outward.

Etymology and usage context: The word combines the prefix ut- (outward) with stråla (to beam or shine). It is commonly used across scientific, journalistic, and everyday language to describe outward emission or presence. In formal or descriptive writing, it can refer to physical phenomena as well as intangible qualities.

Examples of use: In a scientific context one can say that a star utstrålar ljus (radiates light) or that a device utstrålar värme (emits heat). In prose or conversation the term is often used metaphorically, as in hon utstrålar självförtroende (she exudes confidence) or romanen utstrålar melankoli (the novel exudes melancholy). The verb is typically transitive with a direct object naming what is radiated or exuded.

Relation to other terms: Utstråla is related to stråla, which covers similar concepts of shining or beaming, and to bestråla, which focuses on irradiation or exposure. It is useful when describing both physical processes and the impression or impressionistic effect produced by a person, object, or setting.

See also: stråla, bestråla, ljus, strålning.