Väitteen

Väite is a Finnish noun meaning a claim, assertion, or proposition presented as true. It is used in everyday speech and in formal contexts such as science, journalism, law, and philosophy. The plural form is väitteet, while the genitive singular is väitteen, used to express “of the claim” or “the claim’s.”

Etymology and form: Väite derives from the verb väittää, “to claim” or “to assert.” The noun form denotes a statement that is put forward as true. The genitive singular väitteen appears in phrases like väitteen perusteet (the grounds for the claim) or väitteen todistaminen (the proving of the claim).

Usage and meaning: In argumentation and analysis, a väite is the central proposition an author or speaker advances and attempts to justify with reasons and evidence. A väite may be supported, challenged, or qualified, and discussions often focus on its premises, evidence, and logical coherence. In science and journalism, claims are typically presented with caveats about reliability and sourcing: tämän väitteen mukaan… or väite on esitetty… In legal or policy contexts, a väite can also refer to an allegation by a party in a dispute.

Related terms: väittäminen (to claim), väitteellinen (alleged), perusta (basis), todiste, todistus, argumentointi, lausuma.