Uttrykket

Uttrykket is a Norwegian noun meaning “the expression” or “the phrase,” and it is the definite singular form of the base noun uttrykk. The term is used in several contexts, most commonly in linguistics to refer to a unit of language such as a phrase, idiom, or fixed expression, but also in mathematics and related fields to denote a combination of symbols that represents a value or operation.

Etymology and meaning: Uttrykk derives from the verb uttrykke, which means to express. The noun conveys the act or product of expressing something, whether spoken or written. In everyday language, uttrykk can refer to phrases or idioms used to convey meaning beyond the literal words. In mathematics, it denotes an expression composed of numbers, variables, and operators, for example 2x + 3 or (a + b)^2.

Usage and examples: In linguistics, man can discuss idiomatic uttrykk such as “å slå to fluer i én smekk” as a fixed expression. In mathematics, one speaks of a algebraic uttrykk like 3y − 7 as something that can be simplified or evaluated. The definite form, uttrykket, is used when pointing to a specific expression discussed in the sentence, for instance: “Dette uttrykket gir resultatet i likningen.”

Morphology: Uttrykk is the base noun; its definite singular form is uttrykket. Plural forms include the indefinite plural uttrykk and the definite plural uttrykkene. The verb forms related to uttrykk are uttrykker (present), uttrykte (past), and har uttrykt (supine/participial form).

See also: Expression, idiom, phrase, mathematical expression.