Väitellä

väitellä is a Finnish verb that translates to "to argue," "to debate," or "to dispute" in English. It describes the act of engaging in a discussion where opposing viewpoints are presented and defended. This can occur in various contexts, from casual conversations between friends to formal academic or political discussions.

The verb implies a difference of opinion or a disagreement that needs to be resolved or explored through dialogue. A väittely might involve presenting evidence, logical reasoning, or emotional appeals to support one's position. The intensity of a väittely can range from a mild exchange of ideas to a heated confrontation.

In academic settings, väitellä often refers to the process of defending a thesis or dissertation, a formal debate where a candidate presents their research and answers questions from an examination committee. In everyday life, it can describe a disagreement over a trivial matter or a more significant discussion about important issues. The outcome of a väittely is not necessarily agreement; it can also lead to a better understanding of different perspectives, a compromise, or simply a clear articulation of opposing stances.