Perusteeltaan

Perusteeltaan is a Finnish adverb meaning “in terms of its basis,” “in essence,” or “at its core.” It is used to describe something in relation to its underlying basis or fundamental nature rather than its surface features or outward appearance. The word is formed from the noun peruste (basis, foundation) plus the adverbial suffix -eltaan, which creates expressions that refer to the manner or aspect associated with the noun.

Usage and nuance: Perusteeltaan is most common in formal or analytical writing, such as philosophy, social sciences, law, or journalism, where a distinction is made between what is fundamental and what is incidental. It can introduce a characterization of a subject by its core characteristics, rather than by process, detail, or external attributes. It often functions to contrast surface features with underlying principles.

Examples:

- Perusteeltaan tämä päätös on oikeudenmukainen. (In essence, this decision is fair.)

- Perusteeltaan ohjelman tavoite on lisätä läpinäkyvyyttä. (In terms of its foundation, the program’s aim is to increase transparency.)

- Hän kuvaili ongelman perusta alkaen teknisestä näkökulmasta perustaeltaan. (He described the problem, in essence, from a technical perspective.)

Relation to other terms: Perusteeltaan is related to, but distinct from, olemukseltaan or ydinpiirteiltään, which also denote essential nature. It differs from perinteisesti or perusteellisesti, which express manner or degree rather than fundamental basis.

Overall, perusteeltaan is a specialized term used to frame judgments and analyses around the underlying basis or essential nature of a subject.