Keveneminen

Keveneminen is a Finnish term describing the process or result of becoming lighter in weight or burden. It can refer to literal weight reduction, as when ballast, cargo, fuel, or equipment are removed from machinery, vehicles, or structures to improve efficiency, balance, handling, or safety. In engineering and transport, keveneminen is often achieved through design choices such as lighter materials, modular components, or simplified systems.

Beyond physical weight, keveneminen is also used figuratively to describe easing non-physical burdens. This can include reducing administrative workloads, operating costs, or emotional or social strain. In public discourse, discussions about keveneminen may concern reforms that lighten the burden on individuals or organizations, such as tax relief or regulatory simplification.

Etymology: the noun stems from the verb kevenyä, meaning “to become lighter,” with the suffix -minen indicating a process or action. Related forms include kevenevä (lighter) and kevyempi (lighter still). Keventäminen is another noun form that can denote the act of making something lighter, though keveneminen is the more common term for the process.

Usage notes: Keveneminen is a general, formal term suitable for technical, economic, and social contexts. It is often contrasted with terms describing the opposite effect, such as weight gain or burden increase. In technical writing, keveneminen is used to describe deliberate efforts to reduce mass or load.