upplysningar

Upplysningar is a Swedish noun in its plural form meaning information, details, or data provided about something. It can refer to factual answers to questions, or to the act of informing itself. The singular upplysning denotes a single piece of information or an informative statement. In everyday language the plural upplysningar is used when referring to multiple facts or bits of information. The term is also used for information services, such as telefonupplysningen, the telephone information service, or general inquiries about prices, schedules, or locations.

Etymology and sense evolution: the word derives from upplysning, formed from upp- (up, upwards) and lysning (illumination, light). Historically, upplysning carried the sense of illumination or enlightenment, and over time it broadened to encompass information or intelligence. In modern Swedish, upplysningar is most commonly associated with information provided in response to a query, rather than philosophical or historical connotations.

Historical usage: upplysningen can denote the Enlightenment period in European history, including Sweden, when reason, science and education reforms were emphasized. In Swedish discussions of that era, upplysningen is typically referenced as a historical movement that influenced governance, culture and religious tolerance.

Modern usage and related terms: today, upplysningar is widely used in formal and informal contexts to denote information that has been provided or requested, such as official statements, data releases, or public notices. Related terms include uppgift (a fact or piece of information), information, data, and underrättelse (intelligence or notification).