hljóðlát

hljóðlát is an Icelandic word that translates to "quiet" or "silent" in English. It is an adjective used to describe a person, place, or thing that makes little or no sound. For instance, one might say a library is hljóðlát, or that a person is hljóðlát if they tend to speak little. The word is derived from "hljóð," meaning sound, and "lát," which can refer to a gesture or manner.

The concept of hljóðlát can extend beyond the mere absence of noise. In a social context, being hljóðlát can imply a reserved or introverted personality, someone who observes more than they participate verbally. It can also describe a specific action or moment, such as a hljóðlát departure, meaning one leaves without drawing attention. Conversely, "hljóðlátur" is the masculine form and "hljóðlát" is the neuter or the common form used for both genders.

The opposite of hljóðlát is "hljóðmikill," meaning "noisy" or "loud." The nuanced use of hljóðlát allows for describing various degrees and contexts of quietness in the Icelandic language. It is a fundamental descriptive term, applicable in everyday conversation and literature.