ønsket

Ønsket is a word used in Danish and Norwegian. It is the past participle of the verb ønske, meaning to wish, and it also serves as the definite form of the noun ønske, meaning a wish or desire. In practice, the same spelling covers both uses, though they function differently in sentences. As a noun, et ønske means “a wish.” As an adjective or participle, ønsket describes something that has been wished for or is desired, as in a desired outcome or a desired child.

In everyday language, ønske and ønsket appear in a range of expressions. Common verb phrases include å oppfylle et ønske (to fulfill a wish) and å ha et ønske (to have a wish). Adjectival use is frequent in contexts like det ønskede resultat or den ønskede løsningen, both meaning “the desired result/solution.” The word is flexible and can describe people, outcomes, or objects that are sought after or wanted.

Etymology and cognates: the word is part of the Scandinavian core of the verb ønske and noun ønske, with cognates in Swedish önska and Icelandic óska. The forms trace back to older North Germanic roots associated with longing or desire.

See also: ønske (noun), ønske (verb).