Ilmsed

Ilmsed is an Estonian adjective meaning evident or apparent. It describes something that appears to be true based on perception, evidence, or circumstance, even if it has not been proven beyond reasonable doubt. The form ilmsed is used before plural nouns, for example ilmsed põhjused, ilmsed mõjud or ilmsed riskid, to indicate that these aspects are seen as evident or apparent rather than firmly established.

Etymology and sense: ilmsed is derived from the root related to appearance or manifestation, combined with a plural adjective ending. The term conveys a sense of inference or surface visibility rather than absolute certainty. In contrast, ilmselge denotes something clearly obvious and beyond reasonable doubt.

Usage notes: Ilmsed is common in formal and semi-formal writing, journalism, and analytical prose when statements about perceived facts or inferred conclusions are made with some hedging. It is often used to describe reasons, effects, or factors that seem to be the case given the current information but could change with new data. In everyday speech, speakers may use more direct verbs like tundub (it seems) or näib (appears) instead of ilmsed.

Examples:

- Ilmsed põhjused viivad otsusele. (The apparent reasons lead to the decision.)

- Ilmsed riskid tuleb hinnata põhjalikult. (The apparent risks must be evaluated thoroughly.)

- Ilmsed muudatused süsteemis nõuavad jälgimist. (Apparent changes in the system require monitoring.)

See also: ilmselge, ilmselt, ilmsus.