ásættanlegur

Ásættanlegur is an Icelandic adjective meaning acceptable, reasonable, or defensible within a given context. It is used to describe explanations, decisions, proposals, or conditions that are considered justifiable or tolerable under the circumstances.

The term is typically applied when evaluating whether a course of action or justification meets the expected standards, such as practicality, fairness, or legality. It does not imply perfection but rather that something can be defended or accepted as reasonable given relevant criteria. The word is commonly employed in everyday speech as well as in professional or public discourse, including discussions of policy, management, or ethical considerations.

Ásættanlegur has a negative counterpart, óásættanlegur, which means unacceptable or indefensible. The noun form ásættanleiki refers to the quality of being acceptable or defensible. The adjective also appears in related phrases that describe situations as ásættanlegar in nature, such as soluciones, excuses, or arrangements that meet local norms or constraints.

Examples:

- Það er ásættanlegt að fresta fundi í einn dag. (It is acceptable to postpone the meeting for one day.)

- Afsögnin virðist ásættanleg í þessum aðstæðum. (The excuse seems defensible in these circumstances.)

In summary, ásættanlegur denotes something that can be reasonably justified or tolerated, with its negation used to mark something unacceptable or indefensible.