víðtækar

Víðtækar is the Icelandic feminine plural form of the adjective víðtækur, meaning broad, extensive or wide-ranging. It is used to describe concepts, analyses or items that cover a large scope or diverse elements.

In usage, víðtækar typically modifies feminine plural nouns. Common contexts include academic writing, policy discussions and journalism, where the breadth of coverage or impact is being emphasized. Examples of collocations include víðtækar rannsóknir (wide-ranging studies), víðtækar áhrif (far-reaching effects) and víðtækar reglur (comprehensive regulations).

The sense conveyed by víðtækar is one of breadth and inclusivity, often implying that many aspects or components are considered. The nuance can be neutral or positive depending on context; it is not inherently evaluative about whether the breadth is good or bad, though it is frequently used in discussions that advocate thorough analysis or broad reform.

Etymology-wise, víðtækur is built from víð-, meaning wide, with a suffix that forms adjectives describing breadth or scope. The form víðtækar indicates agreement with feminine plural nouns, as in víðtækar rannsóknir or víðtækar reglur.

See also related Icelandic terms describing scope and thoroughness, such as víðtækur (masculine singular) and víðtækt (neuter). In English, víðtækar is commonly translated as wide-ranging, broad, or far-reaching.