eelkõige

Eelkõige is an Estonian adverb meaning primarily, chiefly, or above all. It marks the main aspect or priority of what is being stated, signaling that the mentioned element is more important than others in that context.

Etymology and form: the word is formed from the prefix eel- meaning before or foremost and the word kõige, the superlative form of kõik (all). The combination yields a fixed expression used to emphasize the primary point in a sentence. It is a standard part of formal and neutral written and spoken Estonian.

Usage and meaning in sentences: eelkõige can introduce the main idea, often placed at the beginning of a clause or sentence. Examples include: Eelkõige on oluline, et koolitus oleks kvaliteetne. (What is important, above all, is that the training be of high quality.) Projekt on eelkõige suunatud noortele. (The project is primarily aimed at young people.) Ta on eelkõige huvitatud teadusest. (He is chiefly interested in science.) In other contexts it can be substituted with peamiselt or eriti, but eelkõige carries a stronger sense of emphasis on the foremost priority.

Nuances and style: eelkõige is versatile in both formal and semi-formal registers. It is more emphatic than peamiselt and conveys a sharper prioritization, while not substituting for all-and-only statements. It is commonly found in policy documents, academic writing, journalism, and structured discourse.

See also: related adverbs expressing emphasis or scope, such as peamiselt and eriti.