Ohtlikult

Ohtlikult is an Estonian adverb meaning dangerously or in a dangerous manner. It is used to describe actions, conditions, or situations that pose a risk to safety, health, or well-being. The term is common in safety communications, traffic reports, journalism, and everyday speech when emphasizing potential harm or hazard.

Etymology and form: Ohtlikult is formed from the adjective ohtlik (dangerous). The adverbial form is the standard way to express manner or degree of danger in Estonian, modifying verbs or adjectives to convey risk. The base word ohtlik derives from the noun oht, meaning danger.

Usage notes: Ohtlikult typically describes how something is done or how a condition presents danger. It often appears with verbs of motion, handling, or weather, as in dangerous driving or hazardous environmental conditions. It can also be used more broadly to highlight risk in non-physical contexts.

Examples:

- Auto sõitis ohtlikult suure kiirusega. (The car drove dangerously at high speed.)

- Ilm on ohtlikult külm ja libe. (The weather is dangerously cold and slippery.)

Translations: The closest English equivalent is dangerously. In Estonian, ohtlikult carries a strong safety-conscious nuance and is more emphatic than some synonyms like riskantne, which more commonly means risky rather than dangerous in a momentary sense.