Avancera Ord - Kapitel 8
1. att anstränga verb
To make a strenuous or unusually great physical or mental effort; to put something under pressure or stress.
Context: The verb "att anstränga" is used to describe making a significant physical or mental effort. It can be used reflexively ("anstränga sig") to mean "to exert oneself" or "to make an effort". It's also used when talking about putting a specific body part under stress, like straining your eyes or your back.
Examples:
- Du borde inte anstränga rösten före konserten.
(You shouldn't strain your voice before the concert.) - Han var tvungen att anstränga sig för att slutföra loppet.
(He had to exert himself to finish the race.) - Det är svårt att läsa i det här ljuset utan att anstränga ögonen.
(It's hard to read in this light without straining your eyes.)
2. en avsikt noun
An intention, purpose, or aim. It refers to a preconceived plan or a reason for doing something.
Context: This word is used to talk about someone's motives, goals, or plans. It's frequently found in phrases like 'med avsikt' (on purpose, intentionally) and 'ha för avsikt att...' (to have the intention to...). It distinguishes between actions that are deliberate and those that are accidental.
Examples:
- Han knuffade mig med avsikt.
(He pushed me on purpose.) - Min avsikt var att hjälpa, inte att stjälpa.
(My intention was to help, not to hinder.) - Vad är din avsikt med det här besöket?
(What is your purpose with this visit?)
3. ett avtal noun
A formal or informal agreement between two or more parties, often legally binding. It can be a contract, a deal, or a pact. The definite form is 'avtalet' (the agreement).
Context: Used in legal, business, and personal contexts. For example, when signing a rental agreement (hyresavtal), an employment contract (anställningsavtal), or simply making a deal with a friend. It signifies a mutual understanding or commitment.
Examples:
- Vi har skrivit på ett avtal om att köpa huset.
(We have signed an agreement to buy the house.) - Företaget bröt mot avtalet.
(The company breached the contract.) - Det är viktigt att läsa igenom hela avtalet innan du skriver under.
(It is important to read through the entire agreement before you sign.)
4. att begära verb
To formally ask for, request, or demand something. It implies a more assertive or official action than simply asking, often suggesting one has a right to what is being asked for.
Context: The verb 'att begära' is used in more formal or serious contexts than 'att fråga' (to ask). It's common in legal, official, or business settings, such as requesting documents, filing for divorce, or asking for a price quote ('begära en offert'). It can also carry the stronger meaning of 'to demand,' as in demanding a ransom or a specific action.
Examples:
- Han begärde en kopia av rapporten från myndigheten.
(He requested a copy of the report from the authority.) - Företaget kommer att begära en offert för det nya projektet.
(The company will request a quote for the new project.) - Hon bestämde sig för att begära skilsmässa.
(She decided to file for (request) divorce.)
5. att bekämpa verb
To actively fight, combat, or struggle against something in order to defeat, overcome, or control it.
Context: The verb "att bekämpa" is used when talking about actively fighting or struggling against something negative. This can be a physical threat like a fire or an enemy, an abstract problem like poverty or crime, or an illness. It implies a determined effort to overcome, control, or eliminate the opposing force.
Examples:
- Regeringen har en ny plan för att bekämpa arbetslösheten.
(The government has a new plan to combat unemployment.) - Brandkåren arbetade hela natten för att bekämpa den stora skogsbranden.
(The fire department worked all night to fight the large forest fire.) - Det är viktigt att bekämpa fördomar och diskriminering i samhället.
(It is important to fight prejudice and discrimination in society.)
6. beredd adjective
Means being prepared, ready, or willing for something. It is the past participle of the verb 'att bereda' (to prepare) and is used as an adjective.
Context: This word is used to describe a state of readiness, either mentally or physically. You can be 'beredd' for a test, a journey, or a difficult conversation. It can also express willingness, as in being 'beredd att göra något' (prepared/willing to do something). Note that it changes form based on the noun: 'beredd' (en-words), 'berett' (ett-words), and 'beredda' (plural).
Examples:
- Jag är beredd på vad som än händer.
(I am prepared for whatever happens.) - Är du beredd att börja?
(Are you ready to start?) - Hon var beredd att hjälpa till.
(She was willing to help.)
7. att erlägga verb
To pay a required or official sum of money, such as a fee, fine, or tax; to settle a payment.
Context: The verb "erlägga" is a formal term used primarily in legal, administrative, or official contexts. It refers to the act of paying a required sum of money, such as a fee, fine, tax, or charge. You would not use it for everyday transactions like buying coffee or groceries; instead, it implies a formal obligation to pay.
Examples:
- Du måste erlägga en ansökningsavgift för att bli beaktad.
(You must pay an application fee to be considered.) - Företaget tvingades erlägga en stor bötessumma för att ha brutit mot miljölagarna.
(The company was forced to pay a large fine for violating environmental laws.) - Hela beloppet måste erläggas senast på förfallodagen.
(The full amount must be paid by the due date.)
8. att framgå verb
To be clear, evident, or apparent from a context, text, or situation. It implies that information can be understood or deduced without being explicitly stated.
Context: The verb 'att framgå' is commonly used in formal or written Swedish, such as in reports, official documents, news articles, or academic texts. It is used to state that something is evident or can be understood from a specific source or context, like a document, a conversation, or a situation.
Examples:
- Av rapporten framgår det att försäljningen har ökat.
(From the report, it is clear that sales have increased.) - Det framgick inte av hans min hur han kände sig.
(It was not apparent from his expression how he felt.) - Som framgår av lagen är detta förbjudet.
(As is evident from the law, this is prohibited.)
9. en fördom noun
A preconceived opinion or judgment that is not based on reason or actual experience; an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.
Context: The word 'fördom' is used when discussing social issues, stereotypes, discrimination, and personal beliefs. It carries a negative connotation, referring to judgments made about people based on their group affiliation (e.g., race, gender, religion) rather than on individual merit. The plural form is 'fördomar'.
Examples:
- Det är viktigt att bekämpa fördomar i samhället.
(It is important to combat prejudice in society.) - Han hade en fördom mot människor från storstaden.
(He had a prejudice against people from the big city.) - Många av hennes åsikter baserades på fördomar, inte fakta.
(Many of her opinions were based on prejudice, not facts.)
10. att förebygga verb
To take measures in advance to stop something undesirable from happening; to prevent, avert, or hinder.
Context: The verb 'att förebygga' is commonly used in contexts related to health, safety, crime, and risk management. It implies taking proactive steps to stop a negative event or outcome before it occurs. For example, you might talk about förebygga sjukdomar (preventing diseases), förebygga olyckor (preventing accidents), or förebygga konflikter (preventing conflicts).
Examples:
- Det är bättre att förebygga skador än att behandla dem.
(It is better to prevent injuries than to treat them.) - Polisen arbetar för att förebygga brott i stadskärnan.
(The police are working to prevent crime in the city center.) - Regelbundet underhåll kan förebygga många problem med bilen.
(Regular maintenance can prevent many car problems.)
11. att förena verb
To bring together two or more separate things, people, or ideas and make them into a single unit or whole; to join or combine.
Context: The verb 'att förena' is used when talking about bringing things or people together. It can be used in a physical sense, like joining two pieces together, or in a more abstract or social sense, like uniting a country or combining different ideas. A very common Swedish idiom is 'att förena nytta med nöje', which literally means 'to unite utility with pleasure' and is the equivalent of the English 'to combine business with pleasure'.
Examples:
- Den nya bron kommer att förena de två stadsdelarna.
(The new bridge will unite the two parts of the city.) - Det är svårt att förena ett krävande jobb med familjeliv.
(It's hard to combine a demanding job with family life.) - På min affärsresa till London förenade jag nytta med nöje och såg en musikal.
(On my business trip to London, I combined business with pleasure and saw a musical.)
12. att förmedla verb
To transfer or communicate something, such as information, a message, or a feeling, from one party to another. It also means to act as an intermediary or go-between, to broker a deal, or to mediate a conflict.
Context: The word 'förmedla' is versatile and can be used in several contexts. It's commonly used when talking about communication, such as conveying a message, an idea, or a feeling. It's also frequently used in business and real estate to mean 'to broker' or 'to mediate' a deal or a sale. For example, a real estate agent (fastighetsmäklare) 'förmedlar' properties. Finally, it can mean to act as an intermediary in a conflict or negotiation.
Examples:
- Konstnären försöker förmedla en känsla av hopp genom sina målningar.
(The artist tries to convey a feeling of hope through her paintings.) - Fastighetsmäklarens jobb är att förmedla försäljningen av hus.
(The real estate agent's job is to broker the sale of houses.) - Det kan vara svårt att förmedla rätt ton i ett e-postmeddelande.
(It can be difficult to convey the right tone in an email.)
13. att försumma verb
To fail to do something that you should do; to neglect a duty, responsibility, or opportunity, often through carelessness or intention.
Context: The verb "att försumma" is used to describe the act of failing to care for or give enough attention to someone or something. It implies a failure in duty or responsibility, often due to carelessness or forgetfulness. It can be used for neglecting tasks (like studies or work), responsibilities (like childcare), personal well-being (health), or relationships.
Examples:
- Han försummade sina studier och misslyckades därför med tentan.
(He neglected his studies and therefore failed the exam.) - Det är viktigt att inte försumma sin hälsa.
(It is important not to neglect your health.) - Företaget anklagades för att ha försummat sina säkerhetsrutiner.
(The company was accused of neglecting its safety procedures.)
14. genomgripande adjective
Describes something that is thorough, comprehensive, and affects every part of a system or situation, often in a radical or fundamental way. It implies a deep and wide-ranging impact.
Context: This word is often used in formal contexts to describe major changes, reforms, or investigations. You might hear it in discussions about politics (en genomgripande reform), business (en genomgripande omorganisation), or research (en genomgripande analys).
Examples:
- Regeringen föreslog en genomgripande reform av skolsystemet.
(The government proposed a radical reform of the school system.) - Företaget genomgick en genomgripande förändring för att bli mer konkurrenskraftigt.
(The company underwent a sweeping change to become more competitive.) - En genomgripande utredning av olyckan har inletts.
(A comprehensive investigation of the accident has been initiated.)
15. obetydlig adjective
Describes something that is of little or no importance, significance, or size; negligible or trivial.
Context: Used to describe things, amounts, or details that are too small or unimportant to be considered or to have an effect. It can refer to a negligible quantity, a trivial matter, or a person with little influence. The word is the direct opposite of 'betydlig' (significant, considerable).
Examples:
- Prisskillnaden var obetydlig.
(The difference in price was insignificant.) - Han spelade en obetydlig roll i företagets framgång.
(He played an unimportant role in the company's success.) - Det var bara en obetydlig detalj som ingen lade märke till.
(It was just a trivial detail that no one noticed.)
16. att omkomma verb
To die as a result of an accident, disaster, or other violent, unnatural event; to perish.
Context: The verb 'att omkomma' is used specifically to describe dying in an accident, disaster, or violent event. It is more formal than the general verb 'att dö' (to die) and is commonly found in news reports, official statements, and historical accounts concerning events like traffic accidents, fires, shipwrecks, or battles. You would not use it for someone dying of old age or a long-term illness.
Examples:
- Flera personer omkom i bilkraschen.
(Several people perished in the car crash.) - Piloten omkom i flygolyckan.
(The pilot died in the plane crash.) - Man befarar att över hundra människor har omkommit i översvämningen.
(It is feared that more than a hundred people have perished in the flood.)
17. orimlig adjective
Describes something that is not reasonable, logical, or fair. It can also imply something is excessive, preposterous, or impossible to accept or achieve.
Context: Used to describe demands, prices, expectations, or situations that are considered unfair, illogical, or excessive. You might hear it when someone is complaining about a high price, a difficult task, or an unfair request. The prefix 'o-' acts like the English 'un-' or 'ir-', negating the root word 'rimlig' (reasonable).
Examples:
- De begärde ett orimligt pris för den gamla bilen.
(They asked for an unreasonable price for the old car.) - Chefen har orimliga förväntningar på sina anställda.
(The boss has unreasonable expectations of his employees.) - Det är en orimlig situation att vi måste vänta i tre timmar.
(It's an absurd situation that we have to wait for three hours.)
18. att tillämpa verb
To put a rule, theory, method, or knowledge into practical use; to apply or implement.
Context: The verb 'tillämpa' is commonly used in formal, legal, academic, and technical contexts. It refers to the practical application of something abstract, such as a law, a rule, a theory, a method, or a piece of knowledge.
Examples:
- Det är viktigt att tillämpa reglerna konsekvent.
(It is important to apply the rules consistently.) - Forskarna försökte tillämpa den nya teorin på sina data.
(The researchers tried to apply the new theory to their data.) - Hon fick chansen att tillämpa sina kunskaper i praktiken.
(She got the chance to apply her knowledge in practice.)
19. underlägsen adjective
Describes someone or something as being of lower rank, quality, or ability compared to another; being at a disadvantage or outmatched.
Context: This word is often used in competitive contexts like sports or business to describe a party that is weaker or less skilled. It can also describe a feeling of low self-worth or a product of lower quality.
Examples:
- Han kände sig alltid underlägsen sin äldre bror.
(He always felt inferior to his older brother.) - Hemmalaget var tekniskt underlägset och förlorade matchen.
(The home team was technically inferior and lost the match.) - Fiendens styrkor var numerärt underlägsna.
(The enemy forces were numerically inferior.)
20. att uppfinna verb
To create or design something that has not existed before; to come up with a new idea, plan, or story.
Context: Primarily used when talking about creating new technology, machines, or processes. It can also be used more figuratively, such as inventing an excuse or a story.
Examples:
- Alexander Graham Bell uppfann telefonen.
(Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.) - Vi måste uppfinna ett nytt sätt att lösa det här problemet.
(We need to invent a new way to solve this problem.) - Han är bra på att uppfinna ursäkter när han är sen.
(He is good at inventing excuses when he's late.)
21. ett ursprung noun
The point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived; the source or cause of something. It can refer to a person's ancestry, the provenance of an object, or the genesis of an idea.
Context: This word is commonly used when discussing the origin or source of something. This can be geographical (e.g., 'kaffets ursprung' - the origin of the coffee), genealogical (e.g., 'hans familjs ursprung' - his family's origin), or etymological (e.g., 'ordets ursprung' - the word's origin). It's a key term in contexts like history, geography, and food labeling.
Examples:
- Det är viktigt att veta matens ursprung.
(It is important to know the food's origin.) - Hon är stolt över sitt svenska ursprung.
(She is proud of her Swedish origin/ancestry.) - Forskarna diskuterade universums ursprung.
(The scientists discussed the origin of the universe.)
22. att utebli verb
To fail to appear, occur, or be present; to be absent when expected.
Context: The verb 'att utebli' is used when someone or something fails to appear or happen when it was expected. It can refer to a person not showing up for an appointment or meeting, or an expected event, payment, or result that does not materialize. It carries a slightly formal tone compared to just saying someone 'inte kom' (didn't come).
Examples:
- Han uteblev från mötet utan att ange någon anledning.
(He was absent from the meeting without giving a reason.) - Det förväntade regnet uteblev, och torkan fortsatte.
(The expected rain failed to materialize, and the drought continued.) - Om betalningen uteblir måste vi vidta åtgärder.
(If the payment does not arrive, we will have to take action.)
23. att åta verb
To undertake, commit to, or take on a task, responsibility, or obligation. It is a formal verb and is almost always used reflexively as 'åta sig'.
Context: This verb is typically used in formal, professional, or official contexts. It signifies a serious commitment or acceptance of a duty, such as in contracts, project management, or legal agreements. You would see it when a person or organization formally agrees to perform a certain role or complete a specific task.
Examples:
- Företaget har åtagit sig att slutföra projektet före årets slut.
(The company has undertaken to complete the project before the end of the year.) - Jag kan inte åta mig fler uppgifter just nu.
(I cannot take on any more tasks at the moment.) - Politikern lovade att åta sig kampen mot korruption.
(The politician promised to take on the fight against corruption.)
24. att överge verb
To leave someone or something permanently, especially someone or something you are responsible for; to desert or forsake.
Context: This verb is often used in serious or emotional situations, such as deserting a family or a post, abandoning a pet, or giving up on one's principles or hopes. It carries a strong negative connotation of neglect or betrayal.
Examples:
- Kaptenen vägrade att överge det sjunkande skeppet.
(The captain refused to abandon the sinking ship.) - Han kunde inte förmå sig att överge sin familj.
(He could not bring himself to abandon his family.) - Hon bestämde sig för att överge sina gamla drömmar och börja ett nytt liv.
(She decided to abandon her old dreams and start a new life.)
25. ömsesidig adjective
Describes something that is shared, felt, or done by two or more parties towards each other; reciprocal.
Context: This word is commonly used to describe relationships, feelings, or agreements where the sentiment or action goes both ways. You'll often see it in phrases like 'ömsesidig respekt' (mutual respect), 'ömsesidig förståelse' (mutual understanding), or 'ömsesidigt förtroende' (mutual trust).
Examples:
- För ett bra förhållande krävs ömsesidig respekt.
(For a good relationship, mutual respect is required.) - De kom fram till en ömsesidig överenskommelse.
(They reached a mutual agreement.) - Deras vänskap byggde på ömsesidig tillit och förståelse.
(Their friendship was built on mutual trust and understanding.)