Teadaolevaga

Teadaolevaga is an Estonian phrase meaning "as far as is known" or "to the best of what is known." It is used to qualify statements in order to reflect current knowledge and to indicate that conclusions may change with new information. The expression is common in academic, legal, and journalistic writing, where hedging is often appropriate and expected.

In practice, teadaolevaga functions as an epistemic qualifier. It is typically placed before the clause it qualifies or at the start of a sentence, signaling that the assertion rests on information available at a given time. The phrase contributes a cautious tone, helping to avoid overconfidence when evidence is incomplete or provisional.

Usage notes: Teadaolevaga is not a universal substitute for precision; overuse can weaken arguments and may be perceived as evasive. It is most appropriate when reporting findings, stating preliminary conclusions, or describing information that is widely accepted but potentially revisible. In translation, it corresponds to English phrases such as "as far as is known" or "to the best of our knowledge."

See also: hedging, epistemic modality, disclaimer, uncertainty in language.