nytte

Nytte is a noun in Norwegian that denotes usefulness, utility, or benefit. It is cognate with Danish nytte and Swedish nytta and shares a similar sense of value or practical worth. The word also exists in related forms as a verb, where å nytte seg av noe means to make use of something, often with the sense of taking advantage of a resource or opportunity. The verb utnytte means to utilize or to exploit.

Etymology and cognates: Nytte derives from Old Norse nytja, meaning to profit or benefit. It belongs to the same North Germanic family as Danish nytte and Swedish nytta, with a common root connected to use, advantage, and benefit. The noun form nytten (the usefulness or benefit) and the general concept of nytte have persisted into modern usage.

Usage and meaning: In contemporary Norwegian, nytte is used to describe the practical value or advantage of actions, tools, or policies. Common phrases include nytten av noe (the usefulness or benefit of something) or nytteverdi (the utility value). The term nytte is often contrasted with nyttesløs or unyttig in contexts that express a lack of usefulness.

Related forms: Nyttig is the common adjective meaning useful. Nytteverdi refers to the value or utility derived from something. Utnytte is a widely used verb meaning to exploit or to utilize, and utnyttelse can refer to exploitation or utilization in various contexts.

Cross-linguistic note: In Danish, nytte also functions as a noun meaning benefit or usefulness, while the verb nytte means to use. The senses are closely aligned with Norwegian usage, reflecting shared linguistic roots across the language family.