Sihtotstarbeliselt

Sihtotstarbeliselt is an Estonian adverb meaning intentionally, on purpose, or with a specific aim. It describes actions carried out with a predefined objective and implies that the conduct serves a stated use or goal rather than being accidental or incidental.

The term is a compound formed from siht, meaning target or aim, and otstarbeliselt, an adverb meaning for a particular use or designed for use. The -iselt suffix marks it as an adverb. In practical use, sihtotstarbeliselt modifies a verb to indicate that the action is performed with a stated purpose or restricted to a designated end.

Usage of sihtotstarbeliselt is common in formal registers such as policy documents, research reports, legal texts, and compliance writing. It helps distinguish deliberate, purposive actions from those that are incidental or unintended. It is often used in contexts involving data collection, data use, or actions constrained to a defined objective, for example sihtotstarbeliselt kogutud andmed (data collected for a specific purpose).

Examples include: “Andmed koguti sihtotstarbeliselt, et vastata kindla uurimuse eesmärkidele,” and “Ettevõte tegutseb sihtotstarbeliselt ja vastavalt kehtivatele andmekaitsenõuetele.” The term emphasizes intentionality and adherence to a stated objective, rather than general or incidental use.

See also: otstarbeline (adjective), sihtotstarbeline (adjective). Related concept: juhuslikult (accidentally) as a contrasting adverb.