réttlætir

Réttlætir is an Icelandic verb meaning to justify, excuse, or vindicate. It denotes the act of presenting reasons to show that an action, decision, or stance is right, fair, or acceptable. The verb is used in everyday language as well as in politics and law, and it typically takes a direct object referring to what is justified, sometimes followed by a subordinate clause introduced by að to explain the justification. For example, hann rettlætir ákvörðun sína (he justifies his decision) or hann rettlætir sig fyrir mistökunum (he justifies himself for the mistakes).

Etymology and related forms: the word derives from the noun rétt meaning right or justice, with a verbal suffix that conveys making or rendering. Cognate forms appear in Old Norse as réttlæta. The related noun forms include réttlæti (justice, righteousness) and réttlæting or réttlætingar (justification).

Grammatical notes: rettlætir is the third-person singular present form of rettlæta. The infinitive is rettlæta. The verb can be used with direct objects and with clauses introduced by að to elaborate the justification.

Usage and nuance: rettlætir is primarily descriptive, but it can carry evaluative or rhetorical nuance depending on context. In neutral discourse it states that reasons are provided; in political or legal rhetoric it can imply normative endorsement or defense of actions.

See also: réttlæti, réttlæting, skýring.