Perustavanlaatuisina

Perustavanlaatuisina is a Finnish adjective form used to describe something as fundamental or foundational. It denotes qualities, principles, or questions that are considered essential to the basis or core of a matter. The expression is most often found in formal or analytical writing, such as philosophy, political discourse, or scientific discussions, where authors highlight elements that are regarded as the basis for further argument or action.

Etymology and form: The term comes from perustavanlaatuinen, itself a compound of peruste- (foundation, basis) and laat- (quality) with the suffix -inen that makes an adjective. The ending -ina/-inä (as in perustavanlaatuisina) marks a grammatical form used when describing multiple items or in certain predicative constructions. The root concept remains that of fundamental quality.

Usage: Perustavanlaatuisina is typically employed to emphasize that several aspects or principles are regarded as essential. It can appear with nouns in various cases to express “as fundamental [aspects/ questions/principles].” In practical writing, it often introduces items treated as the base upon which more specific reasoning or policy rests.

Examples: Keskustelussa pidettiin perustavanlaatuisina perusarvoja, joiden mukaan ratkaisut tulisi priorisoida. Tutkimuksessa korostettiin perustavanlaatuisina kysymyksinä sekä etiikkaa että käytännön vaikutuksia.

See also: perustavanlaatuinen (fundamental), perusperiaate (basic principle).