Tegelikkuses

Tegelikkuses is an Estonian term that translates roughly to “in reality.” It is the inessive form of the noun tegelikkus, which means reality or actuality. In use, tegelikkuses functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the actual state of affairs, often in contrast to what is claimed, imagined, or presented as a hypothesis.

Etymology and grammar: The base word tegelikkus derives from the adjective tegelik (real, actual) with the abstract-noun suffix -kus, forming the noun “reality.” The inessive suffix -s attached to tegelikkus yields tegelikkuses, meaning “in reality” or “in the realm of reality.” In everyday Estonian, tegelikkuses is commonly used to anchor statements to factual conditions or to stress the difference between perception and fact.

Usage: Tegelikkuses is frequently found in formal and semi-formal contexts, including journalism, academic writing, and argumentative prose. It serves to emphasize that a claim should be evaluated against the real state of affairs rather than theoretical or superficial interpretations. Example sentences include: “Tegelikkuses olid andmed puudulikud.” (“In reality, the data were incomplete.”) and “Tegelikkuses olukord oli palju keerulisem kui esialgu kirjeldati.” (“In reality, the situation was much more complex than initially described.”)

Relation to related terms: Tegelikkus, meaning reality or actuality, is the broader noun form. Tegelikkuses is the locative use of that concept. It contrasts with näilisus (appearance) and reaalsus or tõde (truth), depending on nuance and context.

See also: tegelikkus, reaalsus, näilisus.