Mõtestamaks

Mõtestamaks is an Estonian non-finite verb form derived from the verb mõtestama, which means to think through, interpret, or assess. The form mõtestamaks functions as an infinitive of purpose, used to indicate the aim or motive of an action. In simple terms, it can be translated as “in order to test” or “for testing” depending on the context. It is a non-finite form and does not conjugate for person or number.

The form is typically used in formal or technical writing to express why an action is undertaken. It generally follows a main clause and is separated by a comma, similar to how English uses “in order to.” The construction highlights the purpose of the preceding action rather than presenting a new finite clause. Examples include phrases such as mõtestamaks tegevuse mõju or mõtestamaks, kas süsteem töötab, which convey the idea of testing or evaluating something as a goal of the preceding sentence.

In everyday Estonian, speakers more often use subordinate finite clauses with conjunctions such as et, or other non-finite alternatives to express purpose. The mõtestamaks form appears more frequently in scholarly writing, reports, and technical documentation, where precise articulation of purpose is important.

See also: Estonian grammar, non-finite verb forms, infinitive, infinitive of purpose.