þátttakandi

Þátttakandi is the Icelandic term for a person who takes part in something. It is used broadly to refer to someone who participates in events, studies, surveys, competitions, or activities. The plural form is þátttakendur. The word is formed from the phrase taka þátt ("to take part") combined with the agent suffix -andi, yielding a noun meaning "one who takes part." It is gender-neutral and can refer to any participant regardless of gender. In contrast, keppandi is more specialized and typically means a contestant or competitor in a game or contest.

Þátttakendur appear in many contexts: in academic research, it is common to say "þátttakendur í rannsókninni svöruðu spurningalistann," and in surveys "þátttakendur könnunarinnar voru..." In media or public events, you may also see "hópur þátttakenda" or "þátttakendur í viðburði." In research ethics, participants have rights including informed consent, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw from a study.

Etymology and related terms: The word comes from the verb taka þátt and the suffix -andi, forming an agent noun. Related terms include þátttaka (participation) and the verb phrase taka þátt. The term differs from keppandi, which denotes a contestant in a competition.