betydelig

Betydelig is a Norwegian adjective meaning substantial, considerable, or significant. It is used to describe quantity, impact, or importance and can refer to both measurable size and qualitative effects. The term can modify a noun directly, as in en betydelig mengde, en betydelig andel, en betydelig forskjell, or be used predicatively, as in Forskjellen er betydelig.

In usage, betydelig often conveys a degree of importance or scale that is more than minor but not necessarily extreme. It appears frequently in formal or analytical writing, such as reports, studies, and news, but is also common in everyday speech when a stronger sense than “stor” or “mye” is desired. Common collocations include betydelig vekst (significant growth), betydelig innvirkning (considerable impact), and betydelig forbedring (notable improvement). The expression betydelig mer is frequently used to indicate a considerable increase, e.g., betydelig mer enn forventet.

In distinguishing nuances, betydelig is often seen as slightly more neutral and measured than words like vesentlig or markant. Vesentlig tends to emphasize essential or fundamental importance, especially in legal or technical contexts, while betydelig emphasizes size, extent, or observable impact.

Etymology and related forms: betydelig is formed from betyd- meaning meaning or significance, with the adjectival suffix -elig meaning “having the quality of.” It shares its root with betydning (meaning, significance). Cognate forms appear in Danish; in Norwegian usage, betydelig remains the standard term for indicating substantial degree.

See also: betydning, vesentlig, betydningsfull.