Teaduslik

Teaduslik is an Estonian adjective meaning scientific or related to science. It is used to describe information, methods, or approaches that are grounded in evidence and adhere to established scientific standards. The word is formed from the noun teadus (science) with the suffix -lik, which denotes a characteristic or relation.

In use, teaduslik precedes a noun: teaduslik meetod (a scientific method), teaduslik kirjandus (scientific literature), or teaduslik lähenemine (a scientific approach). Like other Estonian adjectives, it inflects for number and case, for example teaduslikud meetodid in the plural nominative, or teadusliku meetodi in the genitive singular.

The term is common in education, research, and media when signaling that content is based on research and evidence rather than conjecture. It often appears in phrases that emphasize rigor, such as teaduslik tõendusmaterjal (scientific evidence) or teaduslik konsensus (scientific consensus). The opposing label pseudoteaduslik (pseudoscientific) is used to critique claims lacking methodological support.

Etymology-wise, teaduslik derives from teadus, the Estonian word for science, with the productive adjective suffix -lik. This formation parallels other Estonian adjectives describing properties or affiliations and integrates smoothly into technical and academic terminology.