Alusetult

Alusetult is an Estonian adverb meaning “without foundation” or “baselessly.” It describes statements, accusations, or claims that lack justification or evidence. The word is commonly used in media, legal, and everyday discourse to emphasize that a claim is made without adequate grounds. The related adjective alusetu means “baseless” or “unfounded.” The adverb is formed from the adjective with the suffix -lt, a common Estonian pattern for creating adverbs of manner.

Origin and usage: Alusetult is derived from the adjective alusetu. It is neutral in tone but evaluative, signaling that an assertion is not supported by evidence. It does not convey intentional deceit by itself, only a lack of justification.

Usage notes: Alusetult typically accompanies verbs such as väita or väita alusetult (to claim baselessly) and süüdistama or süüdistada alusetult (to accuse baselessly), as well as verbs meaning to spread information (levitada alusetult). It is most often found in critique of statements, reports, or charges that are deemed unfounded.

Examples:

- Ta väitis alusetult, et projekt oli ebaõnnestunud. (He claimed baselessly that the project had failed.)

- Meedias kajastati alusetult süüdistusi. (The media reported baseless accusations.)

See also: unfounded claim, baseless accusation.