Vahepealsel

Vahepealsel is an Estonian term used to describe things that occur or exist during an interim period between two events, decisions, or phases. It denotes a transitional or temporary nature, rather than a permanent state. The expression is most common in formal or written Estonian, including legal, administrative, historical, and policy texts.

Etymology and grammar: The base element vahe means “between” or “interim,” and the word is combined with a form ending that marks a time-related modifier. In practice, vahepealsel typically appears in phrases such as vahepealse ajal or vahepealsel ajal, meaning “during the interim period” or “in the meantime.” The exact grammatical form varies to agree with the noun it modifies.

Usage and contexts: Vahepealsel is used to frame temporary measures, transitional arrangements, or events that occur during a transitional phase. It often signals that what is described is not the final or lasting state but a step in between phases, such as governance during an interim period, funding during a transitional project, or rules applying only temporarily.

Examples: Vahepealsel ajal kehtestas valitsus ajutised eeskirjad. (During the interim period, the government established temporary rules.) Kõnealune teos arutleb vahepealsel perioodil toimunud muutuste üle. (The work discusses changes that occurred during the interim period.)

See also: ajutine, vahepealne, ajakriitiline periood, interregnum (loanword often used in similar contexts in Estonian texts).