regelmæssige

Regelmæssige is a Danish adjective meaning regular, systematic, or occurring at predictable intervals. It describes things that follow a pattern, routine, or standard rather than being irregular or erratic. The word is used to characterize frequencies, schedules, or patterns in everyday language as well as in more technical contexts such as science and mathematics.

Etymology and form

Regelmæssig derives from regel (rule, pattern) combined with the suffix -mæssig, which forms adjectives indicating a quality or manner. The base form changes with number and definiteness: regelmæssig for a singular indefinite noun, and regelmæssig with its plural inflection regelmæssige before plural nouns. In definite singular form one finds den regelmæssige, and in definite plural de regelmæssige.

Usage

Regelmæssige describes habits, routines, or patterns. Examples: regelmæssige mønstre (regular patterns), regelmæssige arbejdstider (regular working hours). It often contrasts with irregular or sporadic behavior, such as uregelmæssig eller tilfældig. In the adverbial form, reglemæssigt is not used; instead, the adverb is reglemæssigt, meaning in a regular manner or regularly, depending on context (e.g., møderne foregår reglemæssigt hver fredag).

Related terms

The noun form is regelmæssighed (regularity, regular pattern). The adverb is reglemæssigt. The opposite form is uregelmæssig (irregular). Danish shares cognate concepts with Norwegian regelmessig and Swedish regelbunden, reflecting common Germanic roots.

See also

Regularity in patterns or schedules; routine versus irregularity; linguistic agreement of adjectives in Danish grammar.