Algushetkel

Algushetkel is an Estonian term meaning at the beginning or at the outset. It is used to refer to the early phase of a process, event, or sequence of actions, marking a temporal point close to the start.

Etymology and form: The word is a compound formed from algus (beginning) and hetk (moment) with the suffix -kel, which conveys a sense of time or place at a given moment. In usage, algushetkel functions as an adverbial expression indicating the moment at which something begins.

Usage and nuances: Algushetkel is commonly found in descriptive and journalistic writing, historical overviews, and narrative prose. It communicates that a statement refers to the very start of something, rather than its middle or end. The term can introduce observations about initial conditions, early decisions, or the first developments in a process. It is often contrasted with lõpphetkel (at the end) or with more general phrases like alguses (in the beginning).

Examples:

- Algushetkel oli olukord rahulik. (At the outset the situation was calm.)

- Algushetkel plaanisime katsetada erinevaid lähenemisi, kuid lõpuks valitses teistsugune suund. (At the beginning we planned to try different approaches, but in the end a different direction prevailed.)

See also: algus, hetk, lõpphetkel, alguses, hetkel. The term is part of common Estonian temporal expressions and is suitable for formal and semi-formal writing.

Overall, algushetkel provides a precise way to anchor statements to the initial phase of a timeframe, helping to frame subsequent developments.

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