Perusajatukseltaan

Perusajatukseltaan is a Finnish adverbial expression used to describe something in terms of its basic idea or fundamental concept. It signals that a statement concerns the core rationale or underlying logic rather than superficial details. In analytical or evaluative writing, it often serves to compare items by their essential characteristics.

Etymology and grammar: The expression is formed from perus- meaning basic or fundamental, and ajatukseltaan, an adverbial form meaning “in terms of the idea” (ajatuksen + -ltaan). The suffix -ltaan marks perspective or scope. Thus perusajatukseltaan literally means “in terms of the basic idea.” It typically accompanies adjectives or verbs to modify claims about a thing’s core nature, for example perusajatukseltaan sama or perusajatukseltaan erilainen.

Usage: The phrase is common in formal or academic writing when discussing underlying principles or motives. It can be used to assert that two proposals share the same core idea or to contrast fundamental aims. Examples: Ehdotus on perusajatukseltaan sama kuin edellinen. Tutkimus on perusajatukseltaan kriittinen valtion roolia kohtaan.

Notes: Perusajatukseltaan is a specialized, formal expression and may sound odd in casual conversation. It functions as a way to focus discussion on essential intent rather than details, and it is often found in comparative or evaluative contexts. Related phrases include pääidealtaan or perusidealtaan, which convey similar emphasis on core concepts.