Põhimõttes

Põhimõttes is an Estonian adverb that translates to "in principle," "fundamentally," or "basically" in English. It is commonly used to express the underlying idea or core concept of something, often before delving into specific details or exceptions.

This word can be employed to introduce a general rule, a theoretical possibility, or a foundational agreement. For example, one might say "Põhimõttes oleme nõus" which means "In principle, we agree," indicating a general acceptance of the idea without necessarily having agreed to all the specifics. It suggests that the core proposition is acceptable.

Furthermore, "põhimõttes" can be used to indicate that something is sound or correct from a theoretical standpoint, even if practical application might present challenges. It signifies that the underlying logic or design is solid. For instance, "See plaan töötab põhimõttes" translates to "This plan works in principle," implying that the concept is valid even if its execution might require further refinement.

The adverb helps to distinguish between the fundamental nature of a situation and its more nuanced or complicated aspects. It serves as a useful tool for clarifying the essence of a statement or argument before exploring its broader implications or limitations.