háttir

Háttir is the plural of háttur, a masculine Icelandic noun meaning manner, way, method, habit, or style. In everyday language, háttur is used to describe how something is done or the way people behave. The plural háttir refers to multiple manners, styles, or approaches.

The term has a broad semantic range. In social and cultural contexts, háttar can denote customs, etiquette, and inherited or evolving practices within a community. It can also refer to the general manner in which actions are performed, including behavior, habits, and norms. In linguistic and literary contexts, háttir can indicate a particular style or register of expression, such as a formal or informal manner of speaking or writing, or a characteristic way authors convey ideas. In music or rhythm-related discussions, the word may be used more rarely to describe patterns or rhythmic approaches, though more specialized terminology is often employed in those fields.

Etymology and grammar: The word derives from Old Norse and is cognate with related North Germanic terms. In Icelandic, háttur is masculine; its plural is háttir. Typical inflection follows the standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in -ur, though exact forms can vary with case and definiteness.

See also: siðir (customs), venjur (habits), stíll (style), tónháttur or tónháttir for musical or tonal contexts.