Kuulutama

Kuulutama is an Estonian verb meaning to proclaim publicly, to preach, to evangelize, or to publicize or disseminate information or ideas. The core sense is to cause a message to be heard by a wide audience, often with a formal or authoritative tone. The infinitive form is kuulutama.

Etymology and usage context: The verb is derived from the noun kuulutus, which can mean proclamation, announcement, or sermon, and the -ma infinitive suffix. It is commonly found in religious language to describe preaching or spreading the Gospel, as in kuulutama evangeeliumi. It can also describe the act of publicizing ideas, policies, or news, especially in historical or formal contexts.

Usage distinctions: In religious discourse, kuulutama is frequently used in translations of Biblical language or church rhetoric. In secular prose, it may appear in contexts of public proclamation or campaigns, though everyday language more often relies on synonyms such as kuulutada for general announcements. The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object referring to what is proclaimed or to whom it is proclaimed.

Related terms: kuulutus (an announcement, proclamation, or sermon), kuulutaja (a proclaimer or preacher), kuulutamine (the act of proclaiming).

See also: The concept appears in religious, historical, and rhetorical texts in Estonian, reflecting its roots in formal proclamation and preaching.