Oletatav

Oletatav is an Estonian adjective meaning "supposed" or "presumed." It is used to describe a proposition, fact, or person that is believed to be true but not proven or confirmed. The form is derived from the verb oletama, meaning "to suppose" or "to assume," with the participial suffix -atav, which creates a descriptor for something in a state of being assumed.

In usage, oletatav commonly appears before a noun to hedge the assertion: oletatav mõju (the supposed effect), oletatav põhjus (the supposed reason). It is more formal and frequent in written language, including journalism, academic prose, and official documents, where statements often reflect inference rather than established fact.

Related forms include oletus (an assumption) and oletama (to suppose). The term is a standard tool for signaling uncertainty or cautious inference in Estonian prose, allowing speakers and writers to present claims without asserting certainty.

Example: Oletatav põhjus ei ole veel kinnitatud. (The supposed reason has not yet been confirmed.) Oletatav mõju vajab täiendavat uurimist. (The presumed effect requires further study.)