betydelige

Betydelige is a Norwegian adjective meaning significant, substantial, or meaningful. It is used to describe quantities, differences, changes, or levels of importance. The word commonly appears with plural nouns, as in betydelige forskjeller (significant differences) or betydelige kostnader (substantial costs). It can also function in predicate position: Resultatene er betydelige (The results are significant).

Etymology and form: betydelige derives from betydelig, itself formed from the root betyd- meaning meaning or significance, plus the adjectival suffix -elig. The term is native to Norwegian and is cognate with Danish betydelig; Swedish uses betydande as the equivalent form. The form betydelige specifically marks the plural or determinate use of the adjective with plural nouns.

Usage and nuance: betydelige conveys a sense of considerable size, degree, or importance. It is common in formal writing, statistics, economics, policy, and journalism, but is also used in everyday language. It often implies more than just "large" and is closer to "substantial" or "notable." Depending on context, it can emphasize magnitude (significant increase) or importance (significant findings) without implying necessity or inevitability.

Synonyms and alternatives: vesentlig and betydningsfull are related, with vesentlig often highlighting importance or relevance, while betydningsfull emphasizes significance in a more emotional or qualitative sense. The choice among these words depends on context and nuance.

See also: Norwegian grammar notes on adjective inflection and comparison, and cross-linguistic cognates in Danish and Swedish.