Hinnangul

Hinnangul is an Estonian adverb meaning “according to the assessment” or “on the basis of the evaluation.” It is used to attribute a claim or finding to the results of an assessment rather than to direct observation. In formal writing, hinnangul helps signal the source of information, such as study results, expert judgments, or policy evaluations.

Etymology and form: hinnangul is formed from hinnang, meaning assessment or evaluation, with the adessive suffix -ul. This pattern is a standard part of Estonian grammar and does not come from another language. The word functions as an adverbial marker, indicating the basis for the statement that follows.

Usage: The term is common in reports, scientific articles, and policy documents. It can be used interchangeably with phrases like hinnangu järgi (“according to the assessment”) or hinnangu põhjal (“based on the assessment”), though hinnangul often foregrounds the assessment itself as the basis of the claim. It can modify verbs and entire clauses, for example: Hinnangul on olukord paranenud. Hinnangu põhjal eeldatakse, et nõudlus kasvab.

Relations: Hinnangul is closely related to hinnang (assessment), hinnangu järgi, and hinnangu põhjal. While they convey similar ideas, väljaütladningide (hinnangul) places emphasis on the assessment as the source, whereas the other forms highlight the basis or source more explicitly.

See also: hinnang; hinnangu järgi; hinnangu põhjal.