Uuritavad

Uuritavad is a term in Estonian usage used to describe things, questions, or phenomena that are suitable for inquiry, study, or analysis. In English it can be rendered as “investigable” or “things that can be investigated.” The word typically appears as an adjective or as part of noun phrases referring to subjects intended for examination, such as data, questions, or hypotheses.

Etymology and form: Uuritavad is derived from the verb uurima, meaning “to investigate.” By adding the participial suffix -tav, the base forms an adjective, uuritav, meaning “investigable.” The plural form uuritavad is used when referring to multiple items. In sentences the form declines like other Estonian adjectives, agreeing with the noun it modifies.

Usage: The term is common in research planning, data analysis, law, and journalism to designate subjects or elements that will be subjected to examination. Examples include uuritavad küsimused (investigable questions) and uuritavad andmed (investigable data). It highlights scope and focus, signaling that certain aspects are open to further inquiry, testing, or validation.

Morphology and notes: Uuritavad commonly functions as an adjective, but it can appear in compound phrases where the noun is omitted and the meaning is understood from context. The related singular form is uuritav and the related noun-style form can appear in phrases like uuritavate asjade loetelu (list of investigable items).

See also: uurima; uurimus; uuritavus.