ädla

Ädla is a Swedish term primarily used as an adjective meaning noble or of noble origin. In contemporary usage, it is mostly found in literary, historical, or technical contexts. The related compound form ädel appears in everyday language in meanings of high quality or value, as in ädelmetall (precious metal) and ädelsten (gemstone). The verb ädla, meaning to ennoble or to elevate morally or socially, is rare in modern everyday speech but appears in historical or ceremonial language.

Etymology and related forms

The root form is connected to the Old Norse and early Swedish word stock for nobility, and it is cognate with Danish ædel and Norwegian edel. In Swedish, the prefix ädel is used to denote high quality, purity, or noble status in compounds and descriptive phrases. The everyday noun for the nobility is adel, which denotes the social class rather than the adjective form.

Usage and context

Today, ädla as a stand-alone descriptor is mainly encountered in historical texts, literature, and in specialized terms such as ädelmetall and ädelsten. The concept of nobility survives in language through phrases and historical references, but modern Swedish generally uses adlig or adel to refer to noble status. The verb ädla is largely archaic or formal and is seldom used outside ceremonial or literary contexts.

See also

ädelmetall, ädelsten, adlig, adel, adeln.