utmärkta

Utmärkta is a Swedish word that functions primarily as the plural, indefinite form of the adjective utmärkt, meaning excellent, distinguished, or notable. It can also be understood as the plural form of the past participle utmärkt, when used in adjectival sense to describe multiple nouns. In modern usage, utmärkta most often appears before plural nouns to convey a high quality or commendable character.

Etymology and form: The core verb behind the word is utmärka, meaning to mark, distinguish, or identify. The prefix ut- adds a sense of completing or extending the action. The related adjective utmärkt is used to describe quality, with utmärkta serving as its plural, indefinite form in front of plural nouns. In definite contexts or with different definiteness, other inflections of the adjective occur, such as utmärkta or utmärkta resultaten, depending on number and definiteness.

Usage and tone: Utmärkt and its plural utmärkta are common in formal and informal Swedish to indicate excellence or distinction. They appear in praise, evaluations, reviews, and academic or professional writing. The form utmärkta may also occur in clauses where adjectives follow a copular verb, agreeing in number with the subject, e.g., Resultaten var utmärkta (The results were excellent).

Examples:

- utmärkta resultat (excellent results)

- utmärkta prestationer (outstanding performances)

- en utmärkt insats (an excellent effort, singular)

See also: utmärkt, märka, utmärka.

Notes: While utmärka is the verb, utmärkt and its inflected forms are the common adjectives used to express high quality. The exact inflection depends on number and definiteness of the noun they modify.