Mõistet

Mõistet is the Estonian noun meaning concept, notion, or sense. In philosophy and linguistics, mõiste refers to the mental representation of a category or property—a content that a word or thought intends to convey. It is the cognitive content behind a general idea, rather than the physical form of a word or the external signs used to express it.

Etymology and related terms: The term is generally linked to the verb mõista, “to understand,” and to related words such as mõistus, meaning mind or intellect. The idea behind mõiste is that understanding involves grasping a content or idea that groups objects by shared characteristics.

Usage and distinctions: Mõiste is commonly used in discussions of definitions, categories, and abstract ideas. In contrast to märg (sign) or sõna (word), a mõiste denotes the internal content or sense, while the sign or word is the outward vehicle for that content. In semantic and philosophical contexts, mõiste is often contrasted with tähendus (meaning) and with objektiivne referent, highlighting the difference between mental content and external reference.

Applications: In Estonian dictionaries, educational texts, and scholarly writing, mõiste appears as a foundational term for clarifying how concepts are organized, defined, and related to one another. It supports discussions about classification, logical form, and the structure of knowledge.

See also: Semantika, Tähendus, Filosoofia, Keeleteadus, Sõnastik.