trú

Trú is an Icelandic noun meaning belief, faith, or trust. It can refer to religious faith as well as to belief in propositions, people, or things in a more general sense. In everyday use, trú covers both personal conviction and broader systems of belief, such as a religious tradition or a secular worldview.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Old Norse trú and is closely related to other Icelandic terms such as trúarbrögð (religion), trúmaður (believer), and trúverðugleiki (credibility or trustworthiness). In philosophical contexts, trú denotes the mental state of accepting a proposition as true, which may or may not be supported by evidence. The distinction between trú and knowledge is a common topic in epistemology, with trú typically referring to belief rather than justification.

Philosophical and social dimensions: Trú is studied as a property of mental attitude and as a component of religious and cultural identity. In religion, it often denotes commitment and devotion, while in secular discourse it can describe confidence in theories, institutions, or authorities. The term is also used to discuss issues such as faith versus reason, evidence, and the grounds on which beliefs are formed. In social contexts, trú can help bond communities through shared convictions and practices, or it can be a point of tension when beliefs conflict with others’ views.

Related terms include trúarbrögð (religion), trúmaður (believer), and trúverðugleiki (credibility or trustworthiness).