algused

Algused is an Estonian noun meaning beginnings or origins. It is the plural form of algus, the word for "beginning" or "start." Algused is used to refer to the early stages of events, processes, traditions, or phenomena, and appears in historical writing, philosophy, and everyday language to indicate the sources or initial phases of something.

Etymology: The term derives from the Estonian root alg- meaning to begin. It has cognates in other Finnic languages, notably Finnish alku meaning "beginning" or "origin." The plural algused follows standard Estonian noun plural patterns.

Usage notes: In Estonian, algused is typically used with possessive or genitive constructs when referring to specific beginnings, for example, traditsiooni algused (the beginnings of a tradition). When translating into English, algused is usually rendered as "beginnings" or "origins." The word can appear in formal, scholarly, or literary contexts as well as in everyday language.

See also: Beginning; Origin; Etymology; Finnish language—alku.