myndin

myndin is the definite singular form of the Icelandic noun mynd, which generally means image, picture, or film. In everyday language, mynd can refer to a still photograph as well as to a motion picture, though more precise terms are used for film contexts, such as kvikmynd for a movie. The definite form myndin is used when talking about a specific image or film that has been mentioned or is known from context, for example “þessi mynd” (this image) or “myndin gegnir hlutverki” (the film plays its part).

Grammatical notes indicate that mynd is a feminine noun. The indefinite singular form is mynd, the definite singular form is myndin, the plural form is myndir, and the definite plural is myndirnar. These forms are used to indicate number and definiteness in sentences such as “ég sjá myndina” (I see the picture/the film) and “myndirnar eru á sýningu” (the pictures/the films are on display).

Usage and nuance: mynd can denote a still image, a visual representation, or a film, depending on context. In more specific contexts, speakers may distinguish between still images (ljósmynd or mynd) and films (kvikmynd or kvikmyndir for plural). The term is common in media, art, and everyday speech and forms the basis for several compound terms, such as myndasafn (art collection or image archive) and myndarit (image making).

See also: ljósmynd (photograph), ljósmynd (photograph), kvikmynd (film), myndasafn (image collection or gallery).