vísindalegan

Vísindalegan is the accusative singular masculine form of the Icelandic adjective vísindalegur, meaning "scientific" or "pertaining to science." In Icelandic, adjectives agree with the nouns they modify in gender, number, and case; thus vísindalegan is used before masculine singular nouns in the accusative case. For example, one might encounter a phrase such as skoða vísindalegan þátt, meaning "to examine a scientific aspect."

Etymology and morphology: vísindalegur is formed from vísindi (science) plus the common adjectival suffix -alegur, which yields meanings like "pertaining to" or "characteristic of." The form vísindalegan reflects the standard strong declension pattern for masculine singular nouns in the accusative. Other forms include vísindalegur (nominative masculine), vísindalegur or vísindalegar in other cases/genders, and the related feminine and neuter forms (vísindaleg, vísindalegt) as well as the adverbial form vísindalega.

Usage: The form vísindalegan appears primarily in formal or academic contexts, including scholarly writing, science reporting, and educational materials, where a precise distinction between cases matters. It conveys that a noun or noun phrase is related to science or scientific methods, as in descriptions of methods, results, or concepts that are scientifically grounded.

See also: vísindalegur, Icelandic adjective declension, Icelandic grammar.

This entry provides a concise overview of the word’s grammatical role and typical usage within Icelandic.