gagnræðna

Gagnrýna is an Icelandic verb meaning to criticize or critique. It is used to express evaluation or an assessment of a subject, such as a text, argument, performance, policy, or work of art. The verb is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative.

In present tense, it is used to describe current evaluation, for example: Ég gagnrýni ritgerðina (I criticize the essay). He or she can say: Hann gagnrýnir ritgerðina (he criticizes the essay). The form changes with the subject as in typical Icelandic verb conjugation. The past tense is gagnrýndi, used in statements such as Ég gagnrýndi ritgerðina (I criticized the essay) or Hún gagnrýndi áróðrið (she criticized the propaganda).

The past participle is gagnrýnt, which is used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect constructions, for instance: Ég hef gagnrýnt ritgerðina (I have criticized the essay). The noun form gagnrýni refers to criticism or a critique, as in: Rannsóknin vakti gagnrýni (The study drew criticism).

Usage considerations include a generally neutral to negative register depending on tone and context. In academic writing, journalism, and public discourse, gagnrýna frequently appears when evaluating arguments, methods, or performances, and can be employed for constructive feedback as well as negative appraisal.

Related terms include gagnrýndi (the past tense form referring to the act of criticizing) and gagnrýnin (the act or process of criticism). While common in Icelandic, it is best understood from context, particularly the object being criticized and the speaker’s stance.