Üldlevitatud

Üldlevitatud is an Estonian adjective meaning generally accepted or widely recognized. It is used to describe claims, theories, notions, or viewpoints that have broad support within a discourse community, though it does not imply universal truth.

Form and etymology: The word is formed from prefix üld- meaning general or universal and the past passive participle levitatud of levitada, meaning to disseminate or spread. The combination conveys that something has been spread widely and taken up as conventional wisdom.

Usage: In academic, scientific, and policy contexts, üldlevitatud appears in phrases such as üldlevitatud teooria (generally accepted theory) or üldlevitatud arusaam (widely held notion). It signals consensus rather than definitive evidence and may be subject to revision as new data emerge.

Nuances: Its use can suggest normative bias, implying that dissenting views are minor or incorrect; readers should verify the underlying evidence. It contrasts with laialt levinud (widely disseminated), which focuses on diffusion rather than consensus.

See also: consensus, evidence-based, laialt levinud, conventional wisdom.