stefnumót

Stefnumót is an Icelandic noun meaning a planned encounter or meeting between people. In everyday use it primarily refers to a date in a romantic sense, but it can also denote a scheduled appointment or meeting in non-romantic contexts, such as a casual meetup or social engagement. In common conversation and media, stefnumót is understood as a social or dating arrangement, while more formal business meetings are usually described with other terms.

Etymology: The word is a compound of stefna, meaning to plan or set a course, and mót, meaning a meeting or encounter. The combination points to a planned meeting between parties.

Usage: Common phrases include “stefnumót” as a standalone noun, for example, “Við áttum stefnumót” (We had a date), or “Ég er að skipuleggja stefnumót fyrir helgina” (I am organizing a date for the weekend). In formal or work contexts, other terms are typically used, but stefnumót remains the standard word for social or romantic meetings.

Modern context: In contemporary Icelandic, stefnumót is often used in connection with dating practices, including online dating described as netstefnumót or stefnumót á netinu. The concept reflects broader social practices around dating, including the importance of mutual interest and clear communication before meeting.