Ebamääraselt

Ebamääraselt is an Estonian adverb meaning in an indefinite, imprecise, or vague manner. It is used to describe how something is stated, described, or presented when precision or clarity is lacking. The term is formed from the adjective ebamäärane, which means vague or indefinite, with a standard Estonian adverbial suffix. In practice, ebamääraselt often modifies verbs, describing actions such as speaking, describing, estimating, or presenting.

Usage and context

Ebamääraselt is common in formal and semi-formal writing, including journalism, academic prose, and critical discussion, where authors want to indicate that a statement or result is not precise. It can refer to verbal expressions, written descriptions, measurements, or conclusions that do not specify concrete details, numbers, or boundaries. While it highlights lack of precision, the adverb does not inherently judge the information as false; it notes its indeterminacy.

Examples

- Ta kirjeldas plaani ebamääraselt, ilma konkreetsete sammude või täpsete tähtaegadeta. (He described the plan vaguely, without concrete steps or exact deadlines.)

- Uuring näitas ebamääraseid tulemusi, mis vajavad täpsemat analüüsi. (The study showed inconclusive results that require more precise analysis.)

Related concepts include vagueness or indefiniteness, often discussed in linguistic or epistemological contexts.

See also

Eramäärasusega seotud mõisted, ebamäärasus, ebakindlus.