ástæður

ástæður is an Icelandic noun meaning reasons, grounds, or justifications for a belief, action, decision, or statement. The singular form is ástæða and the plural is astæður. The term is widely used in everyday language as well as in formal contexts such as law, politics, philosophy, and journalism to denote the rational basis for a claim or decision.

Usage and nuance: astæður denotes justificatory basis rather than mere causality. In philosophy and argumentation, they correspond to premises or rationales supporting a conclusion. In law, courts may articulate astæður for a ruling or argument.

Related terms include orsök (cause or origin), rökin (reasons or arguments), and rökstuðningur (justification or defense for a claim). The use of astæður emphasizes justification rather than the physical cause.

Usage in domains: In law, judges may cite astæður for a ruling; in journalism, writers discuss the astæður behind a policy; in everyday speech, people refer to personal or collective astæður for decisions.

See also: orsök, rökur, rökstuðningur, ályktun.