breiðari

Breiðari is the comparative form of the Icelandic adjective breiður, meaning wider or broader. It is used to indicate increased width, extent, or inclusiveness relative to another object or idea. The word is common in both literal and figurative contexts, from describing physical dimensions to describing broader concepts or scopes.

In语gence and word formation, breiðari functions as a standard comparative form in Icelandic adjectives. It agrees with the gender and number of the noun it modifies when used attributively, and it can also appear in predicate position after the verb er (is). The superlative form is breiðastur (widest/broadest).

Common usages include physical width, such as roads, spaces, or surfaces, as well as metaphorical breadth, such as understanding, perspectives, or ranges. For example, gatan er breiðari en áður means “the street is wider than before,” and breiðari skilningur á málinu can be translated as “a broader understanding of the issue.” Breiðari can also describe broader geographic or cultural reach when paired with nouns like svið (field, scope) or aðstæður (circumstances).

Etymologically, breiður stems from Old Norse and cognates across the Nordic languages, reflecting a common root for “broad” or “wide.” In modern Icelandic, breiðari remains the standard comparative form used in everyday language, journalism, and academic writing to convey increased width or breadth.