Tõotused

Tõotused are the Estonian term for promises or commitments. The word is the plural of tõotus and is derived from the verb tõotama, to promise.

Usage ranges from everyday assurances, such as a promise to meet someone, to more formal pledges by organisations or governments. In many contexts, tõotused imply a moral or social obligation to fulfill them, though the extent to which a promise is binding varies with context.

In political discourse, tõotused are a common topic, with commentators considering whether a candidate will keep their promises. When promises go unfulfilled, the breach of tõotused can harm credibility.

Tõotused are sometimes distinguished from lubadused, another Estonian word for promise. Lubadused can refer to broader or more casual promises or offers, whereas tõotused is used in contexts that emphasize a stronger or more binding commitment; however, the distinction is not strict, and usage often overlaps.

In literature and media, tõotused appear as motifs dealing with trust, action, and consequence.