atviksorði

Atviksorði, in Icelandic commonly referred to as adverbs in English, is a word class that modifies verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or entire clauses. Its primary function is to express information about manner, place, time, frequency, or degree. Adverbs do not inflect for gender, number, or case, which distinguishes them from adjectives.

In usage, atviksorð answer questions such as hvernig (how), hvar (where), hvenær (when), and hve mikill eða hve mikið (to what extent). They can appear directly before the main verb, after the verb, or at the beginning or end of a clause, depending on emphasis and rhythm. Many atviksorð are indeclinable and do not take a definite article.

Formation and variety: many adverbs are derived from adjectives by adding suffixes, most commonly -lega, to indicate manner (for example, from lýsingarorð to atviksorð). Other adverbs exist as bare forms that resemble adjectives but function adverbially, such as vel (well) and mjög (very). Some adverbs are fixed phrases, like í dag (today) or núna (now), which function adverbially without altering their internal form.

Relationship to other elements: atviksorð interact with the surrounding syntax to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and can influence the tone and precision of a statement. They are distinct from prepositional phrases and from adjectives, which agree with the noun they modify.

See also: Icelandic grammar, parts of speech, adverbial phrases.