Mittepõhiliselt

Mittepõhiliselt is an Estonian adverb that translates to "not principally," "not mainly," or "not primarily" in English. It is used to indicate that a certain aspect, characteristic, or reason is not the most important or fundamental one in a given context.

The adverb is formed by negating the Estonian word "põhiliselt," which means "principally," "mainly," or "primarily." The prefix "mitte-" is a common negator in Estonian, similar to "non-" or "un-" in English.

When "mittepõhiliselt" is used, it suggests that while a particular element might be present or relevant, it is secondary to other, more significant factors. For example, one might say that a decision was made, mittepõhiliselt due to financial reasons, implying that while finances played a role, other considerations were more influential. Similarly, an argument might be described as mittepõhiliselt logical, indicating that its strength does not primarily stem from its logical coherence, perhaps relying more on emotional appeal or other persuasive techniques.

Understanding "mittepõhiliselt" is crucial for grasping nuances in Estonian, as it allows for a more precise expression of relative importance and emphasis. It helps to differentiate between what is merely present and what is truly central to a situation or statement.