asenteellisen

Asenteellinen is a Finnish adjective used to describe attitudes or analyses that are influenced by a particular stance rather than by objective evidence. It is commonly applied to writing, commentary, or arguments in journalism, politics, and public discourse to signal that the perspective reflects a specific position more than a balanced evaluation. In everyday use, asenteellinen often carries a negative connotation, implying partiality or bias.

Etymology and related forms: The word is formed from asenne, meaning attitude or stance, with the suffix -ellinen, which conveys “pertaining to” or “characteristic of.” The related noun asenteellisuus denotes bias or attitudinal bias, while the adverb is asenteellisesti.

Usage and nuance: Asenteellinen can describe a wide range of communicative forms, from opinionated articles to biased arguments in debates. Examples include a asenteellinen artikkeli (a biased article) or asenteellisesti väitetty (alleged in a biased way). The term is often used in critical commentary to contrast with neutral, evidence-based discourse. While it can describe linguistic style or rhetoric, its primary function is to flag a lack of balanced viewpoint.

Related concepts: Asenteellinen contrasts with more neutral descriptors such as objektiivinen or tieteellisesti perusteltu, which emphasize evidence and impartial analysis. The noun asenteellisuus captures the quality of being biased, and asenteellinen is the corresponding adjective form. In broader discourse, synonyms or near-synonyms include puolueellinen (partisan) and subjektiivinen (subjective), though each carries its own nuance.

See also: asenne, asenteellisuus, asenteellinen kirjoittaminen, puolueellisuus.