Otsingud

Otsingud is an Estonian noun meaning searches, inquiries, or pursuits. It is the plural form of otsing, the act of searching or seeking. The term covers both concrete searches—locating a person, object, or information—and more abstract pursuits or investigations, such as scientific or philosophical quests. In everyday language, people may refer to information gathering as otsingud, for example when discussing research or data retrieval, while in formal contexts it can describe organized operations to locate missing persons or evidence.

In usage, otsingud appear across various domains. Police and investigative work speak of otsingud to describe search operations for suspects or missing individuals. In journalism, research, and academia, otsingud denote systematic efforts to uncover facts or data. In literature and culture, the word can describe a figurative quest or pursuit of understanding, meaning, or truth.

Etymology and form: otsingud is derived from the verb otsida, meaning to search or seek. A deverbal noun is formed with the suffix -ing, and the plural nominative is otsingud. Related forms include otsing (singular), otsida (to search), and compound phrases such as andmete otsingud or otsinguoperatsioon, reflecting the same semantic field.

Example sentences:

- Politsei korraldas otsinguid kadunud inimese leidmiseks.

- Uurijad on tänaseks läbi viinud mitmeid otsinguid.

- Andmete otsingud annavad uusi viiteid uurimusele.