mætast

Mótast is an Icelandic reflexive verb meaning to oppose each other or to be in opposition. It is used to describe reciprocal confrontations, such as debates, political standoffs, or competitive encounters in sports or other settings. The sense is often collective or interpersonal, emphasizing mutual opposition rather than a one-way action.

Etymology and form: the verb is built from the noun mót, which denotes an encounter or confrontation, combined with a reflexive suffix to express reciprocity. In use, mótast typically appears with a subject pair or group that engages in opposition, and can be complemented by prepositional phrases to indicate the opposition’s focus (for example against a policy, idea, or opponent).

Usage: in contemporary Icelandic, mótast describes a mutual opposition rather than subduing the other party. For instance, two political factions may mótast gegn hvor öðrum in a debate, or two teams mótast í leik in a sporting match. The term is neutral and often found in formal or analytic writing, though it can appear in everyday language when describing disagreements or competitive encounters.

Related terms and nuances: cognate concepts include mót (opposition or encounter), mótstaða (opposition or resistance), and mótmæla (to protest). While mótast emphasizes reciprocal action, related verbs may focus on the act of opposing itself, resisting, or protesting.

Note: as a vocabulary item, mótast is a standard part of modern Icelandic usage and can be encountered in dictionaries, news, and literature when describing mutual confrontation or competition.