stóri

Stóri is the masculine singular definite form of the Icelandic adjective stór, meaning “big” or “large.” It is used before a masculine noun to indicate that the noun is definite, for example stóri maðurinn, which translates to “the big man.” In Icelandic, adjectives agree with the noun in gender and number, and the definite form is used when the noun phrase is definite, either because the noun carries a definite suffix or because the reference is otherwise clear from context. The indefinite form is stór, as in stór maður, meaning “a big man.”

Etymology and cognates: Stóri derives from Old Norse stor-, and is cognate with Danish stor and Swedish stor, all from Proto-Germanic *storaz, meaning “big” or “great.” The word reflects the common Nordic heritage of Icelandic adjectives and their definite forms.

Usage notes: The form stóri appears specifically in definite noun phrases involving masculine nouns. It does not stand alone as a separate noun; it functions as the definite attributive form of the adjective before the noun. When describing a non-definite noun, the indefinite form stór is used, as in stór maður for “a big man.” The definite form is typically paired with a definite noun (for example, maðurinn, the man) or a context that makes the reference definite.

See also: stór (root adjective), Icelandic grammar, adjectives in Icelandic.