Alistua

Alistua is a Finnish verb meaning to submit oneself or to become subordinate or compliant, often in relation to authority, rules, or pressure. It can convey voluntary acceptance or resignation, rather than resistance.

Usage notes: alistua is commonly used with phrases such as alistua jollekin, alistua jonkun määräyksen tai vaatimusten alle, alistua tilanteeseen, or alistua paineisiin. Examples include: Hän alistui työnantajansa vaatimuksiin. Hän alistui tilanteeseen. Hän on alistunut auktoriteetin alaisuuteen. The verb can describe both temporary yielding and a more permanent subordination, depending on context.

Morphology and related forms: The infinitive is alistua. Present tense forms are alistun, alistut, alistuu, alistumme, alistutte, alistuvat. Past tense forms include alistuin, alistuit, alistui, alistuimme, alistuitte, alistuivat. The perfect participle is alistunut. A common noun form is alistuminen, meaning submission or subordination. There is a closely related verb alistaa, meaning to subjugate or to subject someone else, which contrasts with the reflexive alistua.

Usage notes on nuance: alistua often carries a nuance of yielding in the face of power, necessity, or social pressure. It can be used neutrally in descriptive contexts or convey a critical tone when implying lack of agency or autonomy. The choice between alistua and alternatives like mukautua or myöntyä depends on whether the emphasis is on voluntary acceptance, adaptation, or consent.

See also: alistaa, alistuminen, mukautua, myöntyä.