Perustele

Perustele is a Finnish verb meaning to justify or to provide reasons for a claim, decision, or action. It is used when someone is asked to explain why something is true or acceptable, or when presenting arguments in support of a position. The imperative form Perustele is used to tell someone to justify something, as in Perustele väitteesi.

Etymology and related forms: Perustele comes from the noun peruste (basis, reason) with the verb-forming suffix -ella. Related words include peruste (basis or reason), perustelu (justification), and perusteellinen (thorough or well-founded). The word sits in the category of verbs that express argumentation and justification in Finnish.

Usage and examples: In writing and speech, perustele is commonly paired with a claim or decision to introduce justification. Examples: Perustele väitteesi. (Justify your claim.) Hallitse keskustelu ja perustele ratkaisusi. (Control the discussion and justify your solution.) The noun form perustelu is often used to describe the reasons themselves, e.g., "paljastui useita perusteluja," and perusteluja is the plural form.

Grammar notes: Infinitive is perustella. In present tense, the verb follows the standard pattern for -ella verbs: minä perustelen, hän perustelee, me perustelemme, te perustelette, he perustelevat. The imperative singular is Perustele! The past participle is perusteltu, used as an adjective meaning justified or well-argued.

See also: Peruste (basis), perustelu (justification), perusteellinen (thorough). The concept of perustele is central to argumentative writing, critical thinking, and formal decision-making in Finnish.