særleg

Særleg is a word used in Norwegian, primarily in Nynorsk, meaning “especially” or “particularly.” It functions as an adverb, and can also be used as an adjective to describe something as special or noteworthy in a given context.

In usage, særleg is used to emphasise a single aspect relative to others. It often appears before the word it modifies, for example to underline importance or prominence. While its sense is close to that of the common synonym spesielt, særleg carries a stronger emphasis in many formal or traditional registers. The form is characteristic of Nynorsk, whereas Bokmål typically uses særlig or spesielt.

Etymology and related forms: særleg is related to the old and modern sister forms found in other Scandinavian languages. It is cognate with Danish særlig and with Norwegian bokmål særlig, and shares a common Germanic root connected to the idea of being distinct or particular. The suffix -lig (-leg) in Scandinavian languages commonly forms adjectives or adverbs, contributing to meanings like “-ly” or “able to be.”

See also: Norwegian language, Nynorsk, Bokmål, Danish særlig, linguistic terminology for adverbs and adjectives.