samþykja

Samþykja is an Icelandic verb meaning to approve, consent to, or deem something acceptable. It is used when an authority or group agrees to a proposal, law, contract, or set of conditions, and it can also express general acceptance that a rule or arrangement is satisfactory. In legal and formal contexts, samþykja denotes official or formal approval.

Etymology and sense: The verb is formed with the prefix sam- meaning together or jointly, combined with a root related to seeming or deeming. The sense evolves from “to deem proper together” to the more concrete sense of giving consent or approval.

Usage and grammar: Samþykja is a transitive verb that takes a direct object referring to what is approved (for example, tillögu, lög, skilmálum, samning). The simple past typically appears as samþykkti, as in “hann samþykkti tillöguna.” The past participle can appear as samþykktur (masculine) or in neuter/feminine forms as samþykkt. A related noun is samþykki, meaning consent or approval; samþykkt is another noun form meaning approval.

Related terms and nuance: Samþykki is the act or state of granting consent, while samþykkt refers more to the fact that something has been approved. The verb is often used in official or formal discourse, and in contrast to other verbs meaning “permit” or “allow,” samþykja emphasizes acceptance or deeming something appropriate through agreement or authority.

Examples:

- Alþingi samþykkti nýja lögin. (The Parliament approved the new laws.)

- Ráðið samþykkti tillöguna með meirihluta. (The council approved the proposal by a majority.)

- Samþykkt var að greiða bónus til starfsmanna. (Consent/approval was given to pay a bonus to employees.)