Meresõidul

Meresõidul is a term in Estonian used to indicate being on a sea voyage or engaged in sea travel. It describes the state or activity of a vessel or person while at sea, and can refer to the current trip as well as to the period during which the voyage takes place.

Etymology and form: Meresõidul is formed from the noun meresõit, meaning sea voyage, with the adessive suffix -l, which marks location or state. Thus meresõidul roughly translates to on a sea voyage or during a sea voyage. The word is primarily used in formal or maritime contexts, and in written Estonian, including travel writing, shipping reports, and naval discourse. In everyday speech, speakers often use merel or simply on the ship to convey being at sea.

Usage and context: Meresõidul commonly appears when describing ships, crews, and activities at sea, such as navigation, communication at sea, or the duration of a voyage. It can carry a neutral, descriptive tone suitable for reports and logs, and may also be used descriptively in literature to convey the experience of sea travel. The term emphasizes the voyage as an ongoing process rather than merely the location at sea.

See also: meresõit, meri, merel. While merel is a broader term meaning at sea in general, meresõidul specifically highlights being during a sea voyage.