omtrentlig

Omtrentlig is a Danish adjective meaning approximately, roughly, or not exact. It is used to qualify a quantity, time, or measurement to indicate that the figure is an estimate rather than a precise value. The related adverb omtrent is often used for general approximation, while omtrentlig specifically characterizes the noun it modifies as being approximate.

The etymology of omtrentlig is not widely documented in concise references, but the word is formed with the prefix om- meaning around and a derivational element that yields an adjective. It is common in formal and written Danish, appearing in reports, budgets, plans, and other official communications. In everyday speech, speakers frequently prefer omtrent or cirka, depending on the register.

In usage, omtrentlig typically modifies nouns referring to quantities, durations, costs, or other measurable attributes. For example, one might say that a project will cost omtrentlig 1.000 kroner, or that the timeframe is omtrentlig to uger. While it conveys estimation, it often sits in a more formal or technical tone than more casual synonyms.

In Norwegian, a closely related form omtrentlig is also used with a similar meaning, reflecting shared Scandinavian linguistic roots. Synonyms in Danish include cirka and omtrent, and the word is generally interchangeable with these in many contexts, though omtrent remains the more common adverb for everyday approximation.