Die Selbstverständlichkeit
Example: Die Selbstverständlichkeit der Demokratie wurde im 20. Jahrhundert infrage gestellt.
Definition
"Selbstverständlichkeit" refers to a fact or condition taken so much for granted that it is considered natural or obvious, such as the unquestioned existence or acceptance of democracy in society. It implies something that is self-evident and requires no further justification.
Etymology
The word "Selbstverständlichkeit" is a German compound formed from "selbst" meaning 'self' and "Verständlichkeit" related to 'understandability' or 'comprehensibility.' It literally means 'self-understandability,' indicating something that is naturally understood without explanation. Did you know that the term emphasizes the naturalness or obviousness of a concept, making it feel like it needs no proof?
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"Die Selbstverständlichkeit" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 212 commonly used words.
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