Võrdlema

Võrdlema is an Estonian verb meaning to compare, i.e., to examine two or more things in order to note similarities and differences. It is a regular verb of the -ma infinitive class and is used transitively, typically with two or more objects or clauses being examined against each other. The verb appears in everyday speech as well as in academic, statistical, and analytical writing.

In present tense, the verb is conjugated as follows: ma võrdlen, sa võrdled, ta võrdleb, me võrdleme, te võrdlete, nad võrdlevad. The past tense forms include: ma võrdlesin, sa võrdlesid, ta võrdles, me võrdlesime, te võrdlesite, nad võrdlesid. The verb also yields the noun võrdlemine, which denotes the act or process of comparing.

Etymology and related forms: võrdlema is derived from the root võrd-, related to võrdne, meaning equal. This connection reflects the core sense of comparison and assessment of similarities or differences between items. Related words in Estonian include võrdne (equal) and võrdlus (comparison or correspondence).

Usage notes: Võrdlema is common in science, journalism, and everyday language when evaluating alternatives, results, or characteristics. It is often used with direct objects in contexts such as product comparisons, experimental results, or literary analysis. In some contexts, synonymous or closely related verb forms such as võrdlema või võrrelda may be used depending on regional preference or register.

Examples:

- Ma võrdlen kahte varianti enne otsuse tegemist.

- Ta võrdles oma tulemusi varasemate uuringutega.

- Võrdle neid kaht valikut hoolikalt.

- Võrdlemine aitab teha informeeritud otsuse.