Mõistetavad

Mõistetavad is an Estonian adjective meaning comprehensible or understandable, used to describe things that can be grasped or understood by a reader or listener. The form mõistetavad is the plural nominative of mõistetav and is typically used to modify plural nouns, for example mõistetavad seletused or mõistetavad mõisted.

Etymology and meaning: the word is derived from mõiste, meaning concept or notion, combined with the suffix -atav, which denotes the ability or capacity of something to be done. Thus mõistetav literally conveys “able to be comprehended.” The related noun mõistetavus denotes the quality of being comprehensible.

Grammar and usage: mõistetav is a standard Estonian -atav adjective. It declines like other adjectives: singular forms include mõistetav (nomina­tive), mõistetava (genitive), mõistetavat (partitive); plural nominative is mõistetavad, with corresponding genitive mõistetavate and partitive mõistetavaid. In practice, mõistetavad describes texts, explanations, concepts, rules, or arguments that readers or listeners can understand.

Synonyms and contrasts: close synonyms include arusaadav (clear, intelligible) and selge (clear). The opposite is mõistmatu or mõistetamatu, meaning incomprehensible. The related noun mõistetavus refers to the degree of comprehensibility or clarity of a statement or text.

See also: mõiste (concept), mõistmatu (incomprehensible), mõistmine (understanding), arusaadav (understandable).