försvarlig

Försvarlig is a Swedish adjective used to describe something that is reasonable, prudent, or defensible. It can refer to actions, decisions, prices, or judgments that can be justified or withstand scrutiny. The term is more common in formal or professional registers, such as law, risk assessment, and business, than in everyday speech.

Etymology and nuance: försvarlig is formed from försvar (defense/defense) with the suffix -lig, signaling that something is able to be defended or justified. The sense goes beyond merely being cheap or moderate; it emphasizes justification, soundness, and the potential to be defended if questioned.

Usage and examples: In practice, rimlig is more frequently used in everyday language, but försvarlig appears in formal or technical contexts. Examples include försvarligt pris (a reasonable/defensible price) and försvarligt antagande (a sensible/defensible assumption). A question such as Är det försvarligt att använda den här metoden? asks whether it is defensible to use the method. In legal or risk-assessment writing, försvarlig may describe a decision, analysis, or estimate that is properly justified.

Synonyms and contrasts: Close synonyms include rimlig, vettig, klok, and in some contexts justifiable. Antonyms include orimlig and riskabel. The nuance of försvarlig is not only being moderate or low-cost but also being supportable and able to be defended under scrutiny.

General note: While försvarlig is a recognized term in Swedish, its use tends toward formal, technical, or legal writing. In everyday conversation, speakers more often use rimlig or vettig to convey a similar idea.