Keelduma

Keelduma is an Estonian verb meaning to refuse, decline, or withhold consent. It denotes a deliberate decision not to comply with a request, invitation, or obligation. The act of refusing is expressed by the related noun keeldumine, while keeldunud is the past participle form used to describe someone who has refused or something that has been refused.

Etymology and forms: The verb derives from the noun keeld, meaning a refusal or rejection, and is formed with the standard Estonian verb suffix -ma. This produces a common set of related forms, including the noun keeldumine and the participle keeldunud, which are used to discuss the act or result of refusing.

Usage and semantics: Keelduma is versatile in both formal and informal contexts. It is employed when someone refuses a request, an invitation, permission, or an obligation. In practice, it is typically followed by a clause or complement that states what is being refused, often conveying a firm but polite denial. The term emphasizes the agency of the subject in choosing not to participate or comply.

Context and register: In legal, administrative, and media language, keelduma appears in discussions of consent, waivers, exceptions, or compliance requirements. In everyday speech, it is a common way to turn down offers or plans while maintaining clarity about the refusal.

See also: Keeldumine (the act of refusing), keeldunud (refused; past participle). Estonian grammar and verb conjugation resources provide further details on specific inflected forms across tenses and moods.