Tõepõhjale

Tõepõhjale is an Estonian phrase used to indicate that a claim or argument rests on factual grounds or evidence. In formal writing it functions as an adverbial expression, signaling that statements are based on verifiable information rather than opinion. The term is common in journalism, legal texts, and academic prose where emphasis on evidence-based reasoning is required.

Etymology and form: the expression is formed from a compound built around a basis of truth or facts and the allative suffix -le, which conveys “to” or “toward” that basis. In practice, tõepõhjale can appear in various constructions, such as tõepõhjale viidates or tõepõhjale tuginev, to denote reliance on the factual foundation.

Usage and nuance: tõepõhjale is used to foreground evidence in arguments, descriptions of methodology, or critical assessments. It carries a formal, sometimes juridical or scientific tone, and may appear alongside phrases like tõendite alusel (on the basis of evidence) or faktil põhinev väide (fact-based claim). Overuse in informal writing can sound stilted, so it is typically reserved for carefully sourced or debated statements.

Examples:

- Tõepõhjale viidates ütles kommentaator, et olukord on stabiliseerunud. (Referring to the factual grounds, the commentator stated that the situation has stabilized.)

- Artikkel kasutab tõepõhjale tuginevat andmestikku, et supporterida oma järeldusi. (The article uses data based on factual grounds to support its conclusions.)

See also: tõend, tõendid, faktil põhinev väide.

Note: kirjanduslik ja ametlik keel võivad kasutada sarnaseid väljendeid; tõepõhjale keskenduvad vormid rõhutavad argumentide aluseks oleva faktilise baasi.