Väsentligt

Väsentligt is a Swedish term that can function as an adjective and as an adverb. As an adjective, väsentlig describes something that is essential, fundamental, or material to a matter. For example: En väsentlig del av uppdraget är datainsamling. In contexts that emphasize importance, väsentlig conveys a tighter sense of necessity than more general synonyms like viktig.

As an adverb, väsentligt means to a substantial or significant degree. It is used to indicate the extent or impact of a change or result. For example: Priserna har ökat väsentligt, eller Resultatet förbättrades väsentligt. In these uses, väsentligt modifies the verb or the entire proposition.

Etymology and form: the word väsentlig comes from väsen (essence, being) with the suffix -lig, forming an adjective meaning essential. The adverbial form väsentligt is created from the same root and is commonly used in formal or technical language. The noun form is väsentlighet, referring to significance or essential quality.

Usage notes: väsentlig tends to be more precise and formal than viktig, signaling that something is central to the matter rather than merely important. It often appears in legal, economic, academic, or policy texts. In everyday Swedish, choosing mellan väsentligt och viktigt depends on whether the emphasis is on essential character (väsentligt) or general importance (viktigt).

Related terms include väsentlighet (significance) and grundläggande (fundamental). In practice, väsentligt adds nuance of core necessity or substantial degree.