Eeliselt

Eeliselt is an Estonian word that translates to "preferably" or "ideally" in English. It is used to indicate a preferred option or condition among several possibilities. The word is commonly employed in everyday conversation, as well as in more formal contexts such as instructions, recommendations, or descriptions of desired outcomes.

For example, when discussing travel plans, one might say, "Me sõidame autoga, eeliselt ilma suurema liiklusega" which translates to "We are traveling by car, preferably without much traffic." This signifies that while traveling by car is the chosen method, avoiding heavy traffic is the ideal scenario. In a professional setting, a job description might state, "Kandidaadil on magistrikraad, eeliselt erialal" meaning "The candidate has a master's degree, preferably in the relevant field." Here, a master's degree is a requirement, but a degree in a specific area is considered the most desirable qualification.

The grammatical function of "eeliselt" is that of an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to specify a preference or an ideal circumstance. Its usage adds nuance to statements, allowing for the expression of a primary choice while acknowledging other potential or acceptable alternatives. The word originates from the Estonian word "eelis," meaning "advantage" or "preference."