varaktig

Varaktig is a Swedish adjective meaning lasting or durable. It characterizes something that persists over time or retains its effect long after an initial event. The term is used in everyday speech as well as technical writing, applied to objects, processes, or outcomes whose presence or influence continues rather than being temporary or fleeting.

Etymology: The word is formed from the noun varaktighet, meaning duration or durability, with the suffix -ig. It has cognates in other North Germanic languages, such as Norwegian and Danish, that express similar ideas of persistence.

Forms and grammar: In Swedish, varaktig inflects for gender and number. Basic form: varaktig (en varaktig process). Neuter form: varaktigt (ett varaktigt resultat). Plural: varaktiga (varaktiga egenskaper). Definite forms are expressed with the accompanying determiner: den varaktiga egenskapen, det varaktiga resultatet. It is often used with nouns describing time spans, effects, or durability (varaktiga effekter, varaktiga egenskaper, varaktigt material).

Usage and nuance: Varaktig conveys a sense of longevity or persistence beyond the short term, often implying reliability or stability. It can describe physical durability, enduring conditions, or lasting impacts in sciences, engineering, medicine, and ecology, as well as in everyday language when a state or feature is expected to endure.

See also: varaktighet, beständig, långvarig. In usage, it contrasts with temporär or kortvarig when describing permanence or long-term persistence. Examples include varaktig lösning (lasting solution), varaktiga minnen (lasting memories).