grunn

Grunn is a Norwegian noun that denotes foundation, basis, or ground. It covers both tangible ground—the surface beneath one's feet—and more abstract concepts such as the basis for a claim, decision, or argument. In everyday use, grunn appears in compounds and idioms that express justification, stability, or fundamentality.

Etymology and cognates: Grunn derives from Old Norse grunn, related to the other Germanic languages' words for ground or reason, such as Danish grund and Swedish grund. The shared core sense is foundation, base, or underlying cause, and the term has given rise to related forms across the Scandinavian languages.

Common Norwegian uses include: grunnlag, meaning basis or foundation; grunnlag for noe, the basis for something; å legge noe til grunn, to base something on; å legge til grunn at, to assume that. The expression på grunn av means "because of" or "due to." The adjective grunnleggende means fundamental or basic and is used to describe essential features or concepts.

Relation to English and other terms: English has "ground" and "foundation" as direct cognates in some senses, reflecting shared Germanic roots. In modern usage, grunn remains a core term in law, science, philosophy, and everyday speech when describing foundations or reasons.

See also: ground, foundation, basis, reason, justification.