réttlætar

Réttlátar is an Icelandic linguistic form that functions as the feminine plural form of the adjective réttlátur, which means “just” or “fair.” In Icelandic, adjectives agree with the nouns they modify in gender, number, and case, so réttlátar appears with feminine plural nouns in the nominative or accusative cases. For example, in phrases like réttlátar konur (just/fair women) or réttlátar ákvarðanir (just/fair decisions), the word describes the associated noun.

Usage and context

The term is used within Icelandic texts to express fairness or justice in actions, policies, or judgments. It may appear in legal, political, ethical, or journalistic discourse when characterizing decisions or conduct as fair. As a grammatical form rather than a standalone concept, réttlátar typically appears as part of a larger noun phrase rather than as a distinct entity or title.

Grammar notes

Réttlátar is one of several inflected forms of the base adjective réttlátur. Icelandic adjectives decline according to the gender, number, and case of the nouns they describe, so speakers select réttlátur (masculine singular), réttlát (neuter singular), réttlátir (masculine plural), réttlátar (feminine plural), and other variants according to context.

Etymology

The form derives from the Icelandic root rett- meaning “right” or “justice,” paired with a standard adjective ending to mark feminine plural. This aligns with related terms in other Germanic languages that express ideas of fairness and law.

See also

réttlátur, Icelandic adjective forms, Icelandic grammar.