Tõestavad

Tõestavad is an Estonian verb form meaning they prove or they attest. It is the present tense, third-person plural form of the verb tõestama, which means to prove, to attest, to verify or to substantiate. The word is used to indicate that certain information, evidence or data supports a claim, hypothesis or fact. In legal, scientific and academic writing, tõestavad is commonly used to express that findings or documents provide proof or confirmation.

Etymology and form: tõestama is built on the noun tõend, meaning proof or evidence, with the infinitive suffix -ma. Tõestavad, as the finite form, agrees with a plural subject. Other forms exist for different subjects and tenses.

Usage notes: Tõestama is transitive; it takes an object that is being proven. It can pair with nouns such as dokumendid, tulemused or andmed to state that these things prove something: Need dokumendid tõestavad lepingu kehtivuse (Those documents prove the validity of the contract) or Uuringu tulemused tõestavad hüpoteesi (The study results prove the hypothesis).

Common related terms include tõendus (evidence), tõestus (proof, verification), and tõendama as a closely related verb with similar meaning but sometimes nuanced usage. In everyday language, tõestavad is often used in more formal or formal-technical contexts to indicate logical or evidentiary support.

Examples:

- Uuringu tulemused tõestavad hüpoteesi.

- Need dokumendid tõestavad lepingu kehtivuse.

The term functions to convey that particular data or statements provide substantiation for a claim, making it a standard expression in discussions of evidence and verification.