obetydligt

Obetydligt is a Swedish adverb meaning negligibly or insignificantly. It is used to describe something of very small importance, effect, or difference. The term is common in formal and semi-formal language, including scientific, statistical, and economic contexts, as well as in everyday speech when downplaying a discrepancy or impact. The related adjective obetydlig means insignificant.

Etymology and form: Obetydligt is formed from the negating prefix ob- attached to betydligt or betydlig, signaling a lack of significance. As an adverb, obetydligt typically modifies adjectives, verbs, or whole phrases to express a very small degree. The adjective form obetydlig is used when referring to a thing or amount as insignificant in itself (e.g., en obetydlig summa).

Usage notes: In academic or professional writing, obetydligt often indicates that a measured effect or difference falls within the margin of error or is of little practical relevance. It can also appear in everyday language to modestly minimize an outcome or result.

Examples:

- Skillnaden var obetydligt större än väntat. (The difference was negligibly larger than expected.)

- Omkostnaden var obetydligt högre än budgeten. (The cost was negligibly higher than the budget.)

- Resultatet var obetydligt i praktisk mening. (The result was insignificant in practical terms.)

See also:

- Obetydlig, the corresponding adjective meaning insignificant.

- Betydligt, meaning considerably or significantly, often contrasted with obetydligt in technical contexts.