sanngjarn

Sanngjarn is an Icelandic adjective meaning fair, just, and reasonable. It describes behavior, judgments, or policies that are balanced and treat people equally. In everyday usage it can refer to a person who acts with fairness as well as to decisions that are impartial and sensible. The adverbial form sanngjarnt means “fairly” or “reasonably.”

Etymology and history: The word is formed from sann- ('true') and gjarn ('generous, kind'), producing a sense of true generosity or balance. It is attested in Old Norse and has continued in modern Icelandic, with cognates in other Nordic languages though usage differs.

Usage notes: In political, legal, or social contexts, sanngjarn is used to describe processes, outcomes, or rules that aim at fairness. It can be used of negotiations, tax rules, or verdicts: “Það var sanngjarnt að dreifa tekjunum jafnt.” Translation: It was fair to distribute the revenues equally. The term carries a normative coloration but remains common in neutral reporting.

Translations and related terms: English equivalents include fair, just, and reasonable. Related Icelandic terms include sanngirni (fairness) and réttlæti (justice). The concept is a staple in discussions of ethics and public policy in Icelandic.