mångfaldig

Mångfaldig is a Swedish term that can function as both an adjective and a verb. As an adjective, mångfaldig describes something characterized by diversity or variety, i.e., comprising many different elements, forms, or facets. The word is commonly used in discussions of ecology, society, culture, media, and policy to convey richness and heterogeneity. As a verb, mångfaldiga means to diversify or to increase variety, for example in relation to a selection, portfolio, or set of options. The corresponding noun is mångfald, meaning diversity or multiplicity.

Etymology and form: Mångfaldig is formed from mångfald, with the adjectival suffix -ig. The base mångfald derives from mång, meaning “many,” and a historical sense linked to abundance or multiplicity. The related noun mångfald is widely used in Swedish to denote the presence of multiple groups, ideas, or species.

Usage and contexts: The term is used across academic, public, and media discourse to emphasize variety and inclusiveness. In workplace and policy contexts, mångfaldig is often linked to goals of representation and inclusion, while in scientific contexts it can describe ecosystems with high species richness or datasets with diverse samples. In everyday language, it conveys a neutral or positive nuance of variety, though it can be used descriptively of any broadened or enriched set.

Synonyms and related terms: Mångfald, varierad, heterogen, mångfacetterad. Antonyms include enhetlig, homogen, monofaktorerad.

See also: mångfald, mångkulturalitet, mångfaldspolitik, heterogenitet.