Pohjautua

Pohjautua is a Finnish verb that means to be based on, to derive from, or to rest on a particular foundation. It is used to describe what forms the ground or basis for a statement, theory, argument, policy, or narrative. The word is closely related to pohja, meaning base or foundation, and the form pohjautuu is the present tense, while the infinitive is pohjautua.

In usage, pohjautua is common in formal and analytical writing, journalism, and academic discourse. It often introduces the source or evidence upon which a claim rests. Typical constructions include phrases such as väite pohjautuu tutkimuksiin or teoria pohjautuu perusolettamuksiin. The construction can also express that a plan or policy is grounded in data, experience, or prior work.

The nuance of pohjautua emphasizes a grounding in evidence or preexisting work, rather than merely stating that something is true. It is often preferred when the focus is on the basis for conclusions rather than on their immediate acceptance. In everyday language, it is sometimes replaced by perustua, but pohjautua conveys a stronger sense of grounding in concrete sources.

Related forms include pohjautuva (adjective), meaning based on or grounded in, and pohjautuminen (the noun form meaning the grounding or basis). See also terms such as perustua, johtua, and aineistopohjainen when discussing sources and foundations for claims.