Hyggja
/ˈhɪcːa/noun
An Icelandic verb meaning to think, consider, or contemplate.
Did you know?In Old Norse thought, *hugr*—the noun behind *hyggja*—could mean not only the mind but also intention, desire, courage, or a person’s inner disposition.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hugjaną
“To think, consider, or form an intention”
Old Norse
Old Norse
hyggja
“To think, believe, consider, or intend”
Old Norse
Old Norse
hugr
“Mind, thought, spirit, disposition, or intention”
Old English
Old English
hycgan
“To think, intend, or plan”
Middle English
Middle English
huggen
“To think or intend; the related noun *hug* referred to the mind or thought”
Modern English
English
hug
“A feeling, thought, or mental disposition in older English; later, an embrace”