léttur

Léttur is an Icelandic adjective that means light in weight or easy to do. In ordinary use, it describes objects that do not weigh much, as well as actions or tasks that are not difficult. The word can also appear in figurative expressions to convey a sense of ease or simplicity.

Etymology: The term comes from Old Norse léttr, with cognates in other Nordic languages such as Norwegian lett and Swedish lätt, all tied to the idea of airiness or lack of heaviness. The word belongs to a common Germanic family of terms for weight and ease.

Usage and grammar: Léttur inflects as an Icelandic adjective, agreeing with the noun in gender and number. It is used predicatively after verbs such as er or var and attributively before nouns. In phrases, it can describe a light object, a light task, or a light mood; its sense is determined by context.

Translations: The primary English equivalents are light (in weight) and easy. The word can appear in compounds and set phrases that are common in Icelandic writing and speech. See also Icelandic adjectives and weight-related vocabulary.