tillfredsställelsen

Tillfredsställelsen is a Swedish noun meaning the state of contentment or fulfilment that arises when needs or desires are met. The term is used across everyday language and in disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, and economics to describe satisfaction with a person, outcome, product, or situation. It can refer to a momentary sense of gratification as well as a longer-lasting sense of well-being.

Etymology and form. Tillfredsställelse is formed from the verb tillfredsställa, meaning to satisfy or gratify, which itself derives from till- (toward) and fredsställa (to place in peace or to satisfy). The suffix -else/-else gives the abstract noun, and tillfredsställelsen is the definite form. The plural form is tillfredsställelser.

Usage and contexts. In everyday Swedish, tillfredsställelse is used to express general satisfaction with life or a specific outcome. It is common in discussions of customer or client experience as well as in research on well-being, where it may be referred to as life satisfaction or overall contentment. In consumer studies, related terms include kundtillfredsställelse or simply tillfredsställelse when evaluating products, services, or experiences.

Relation to related concepts. Tillfredsställelse is related to, but distinct from, joy or happiness (glädje, lycka). It often has a more evaluative or cognitive flavor, implying that needs or expectations have been adequately met. In contrast, nöjdhet (being satisfied) can be used more loosely for everyday assessments, while tillfredsställelse emphasizes a sense of fulfilment arising from a successful outcome.

See also. Nöjdhet; lycka; livstillfredsställelse; customer satisfaction.

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