Täiustus

Täiustus is an Estonian noun meaning an improvement, refinement or enhancement of something to make it more complete, functional or perfect. It denotes a qualitative change that increases effectiveness, quality or precision rather than a mere addition of new parts. The term is commonly used in everyday speech as well as technical and professional contexts.

In practice, täiustus is applied to product development, software updates, manufacturing processes, academic theories and artistic techniques. Examples include a software täiustus that optimizes performance, a tootmisprotsessi täiustus that reduces waste, or a keeleliste sugemete täiustus in scholarly work. The word often implies iterative, deliberate work aimed at polishing or perfecting an existing entity.

Linguistically, täiustus is derived from the verb täiustama (to improve, to perfect) and the nominalizing suffix -tus, which marks the result or process of an action. It is distinct from täiendus, which usually means a supplement or addition; while täiendus adds elements, täiustus refines what already exists.

As a neutral descriptive term, täiustus figures in policy documents, technical reports and everyday conversations where emphasis is on quality improvement. Synonyms in Estonian can include parandus (correction) or täiustamine (the act of improving), though nuances differ depending on context.