Ásættanlegar

Ásættanlegar is the feminine plural form of the Icelandic adjective ásættanlegur, meaning acceptable, tolerable, or justifiable in a given context. It is used to describe propositions, decisions, or outcomes that can be reasonably accepted or defended. The term is common in political, ethical, and public discourse, as well as in academic writing when evaluating arguments or policies.

Etymology and sense: The adjective belongs to a family of Icelandic terms related to reasonableness and compromise. Its precise historical origin is not universally agreed, but it is treated as a productive word in contemporary Icelandic. The sense centers on grounds that are defensible, grounded in evidence, or reconciled with other considerations.

Usage: Ásættanlegar governs feminine plural nouns, for example ásættanlegar lausnir (acceptable solutions) and ásættanlegar forsendur (acceptable premises). In practice, the word is used in formal and analytical writing to flag provisions or conclusions that can be justified. The opposite notion is conveyed with negated forms, typically expressed with ó- prefixed variants that agree with gender and number in ordinary grammar.

Examples: Lausnirnar virðast ásættanlegar. Röksemdirnar eru ásættanlegar.

See also: ásættanlegur, óásættanlegur, ásættanlegt, Icelandic adjectives related to acceptability and justification.