samþykkt

Samþykkt is an Icelandic noun meaning approval or resolution. It denotes a formal decision by a governing body, the act of approving a proposal, policy, or law, or the outcome of such an approval. In political and administrative contexts, samþykkt describes the moment when a proposal has been accepted and becomes binding or official.

Etymologically, samþykkt is formed from sam- meaning together and þykja meaning to seem or to be considered, reflecting the idea of a decision reached with collective agreement. The related verb is samþykkja, “to approve.” The noun can appear in various contexts, including minutes, legal texts, and official records, to mark that an item has received formal authorization.

Usage and scope: In the legislative process, a bill or motion that is approved by the legislature is described as samþykkt, often accompanied by an indication of the voting result, such as “samþykkt með meirihluta atkvæðis” (approved by a majority). In municipal or organizational governance, boards and councils may issue samþykktar as formal resolutions or by-laws. The term emphasizes the legitimacy conferred by collective approval rather than unilateral decree.

See also: samþykktir (resolutions), samþykkja (to approve), lög (laws), stjórnsýsla (governance).