Önnur

Önnur is an Icelandic word that functions as an adjective and determiner meaning “other” or “another.” It is used to indicate something distinct from what has already been mentioned or to point to an additional item within a set. The word is flexible in agreeing with the noun it modifies and has inflected forms that reflect gender, number, and case, as with most Icelandic adjectives.

Etymology and relation to related forms: önnur is derived from the Old Norse form annarr, which gives rise to cognate forms in other Germanic languages. In modern Icelandic, önnur participates in the same paradigms as other adjectives that modify feminine or plural nouns, while masculine and neuter counterparts are formed with different stems.

Usage: The adjective appears before a noun, as in examples meaning “another book” or “another way.” It can also introduce alternate options or perspectives in discussion, for instance when contrasting choices or viewpoints. Because Icelandic adjectives agree with their nouns, the exact form of önnur changes to match the gender, number, and case of the noun it accompanies.

Common contexts: önnur is frequently used in everyday language, literature, media, and academic writing to signal an additional item or a different option. It also appears in phrases that compare or contrast elements within a category, such as books, methods, opinions, or strategies.

See also: annarr, annað.