mottakelig

Mottakelig is a Norwegian adjective meaning able to receive or accept something. It is used for both physical and figurative receptivity: a person or organism that is easily influenced or susceptible to a condition, or a person who is open to new ideas or to criticism. The term can describe what can be acted upon or stimulated as well as a person’s openness to influence or experience.

Etymology and usage notes: Mottakelig is formed from the verb motta, to receive, with the adjectival suffix -lig. It is typically used with the preposition for to specify what is being received or influenced, for example mottakelig for kritikk (receptive to criticism) or mottakelig for influensa (susceptible to influenza) in medical contexts. It can also describe openness to ideas, as in a person who is mottakelig for nye ideer.

Common usage: The phrase er mottakelig is common in both everyday and formal Norwegian. Examples include: "Barn er ofte mer mottakelige for nye ideer," meaning children are often more receptive to new ideas; "Et svakt immunforsvar gjør kroppen mer mottakelig for infeksjon" (a weak immune system makes the body more susceptible to infection); and "en person som er mottakelig for kritikk" (a person who is receptive to criticism).

Related forms and nuances: The noun mottakelighet refers to the state or quality of being receptive or susceptible. Synonyms include receptivitet and åpenhet, while antonyms include ufølsom og utilpasset i spesifikke sammenhenger. Mottakelig is versatile and appears across medical, psychological, educational, and social contexts to indicate openness or vulnerability to influence, stimulus, or condition.