forskjellig

Forskjellig is a Norwegian adjective meaning "different, diverse, or varied." It describes things that are not the same or that differ in characteristics, amount, or degree. In Norwegian it can modify nouns or be used predicatively, as in describing a situation or a quality that contrasts with another. A common example is Dette er forskjellig fra det andre, meaning “This is different from the other.”

Etymology and related forms: The word is built from the noun forskjell, meaning "difference," together with the prefix for-, which conveys contrast or separation. Forskjellig is linked to cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish forskellig and Swedish olika, which express similar notions of difference or variety.

Usage and nuances: Forskjellig is used to indicate distinctions between objects, ideas, or situations. It is frequently found in phrases like forskjellige typer (various types) and forskjellig fra (different from). It also appears in expressions such as i forskjellig grad, meaning "to varying degree," to indicate partial or uneven differences.

Grammar and variants: Like many Norwegian adjectives, forskellig inflects to agree with number and definiteness. Common forms include forklergic singular and forskjellige plural. In the plural definite or specific contexts, other forms may appear. The noun forms exist but forskell og is typically expressed with forskjell (difference) or forskjellighet in more formal or less common usage.

See also: Forskjell (difference) and ulik (different, dissimilar) are closely related concepts. Forskjellig commonly contrasts with sameness or similarity and is a standard term in both descriptive and analytical contexts.