eksimuste

Eksimuste is the genitive plural form of eksimus, a term in Estonian that means a mistake or error. In formal and analytical language, eksimuste refers to mistakes as a category under study or discussion, rather than to a single concrete fault. The word is commonly used in education, philosophy, logic, and statistics to talk about errors in reasoning, calculation, or action.

Etymology and forms: Eksimus comes from the verb eksima, meaning to err. The genitive plural eksimuste is used when attributing something to mistakes, for example in phrases such as eksimuste analüüs (analysis of mistakes) or eksimuste parandamine (correction of mistakes). The basic forms in Estonian are: nominative singular eksimus, genitive singular eksimuse; nominative plural eksimused, genitive plural eksimuste.

Usage and nuance: Eksimuste emphasizes error as a cognitive or judgmental fault rather than a purely mechanical defect. It is more common in academic, pedagogical, or theoretical contexts than in everyday speech, where viga is often used for general fault or defect. In practice, eksimuste is frequently paired with verbs like analüüsima, parandama, kirjeldama, or vähendama to discuss the study, correction, or reduction of mistakes.

Examples: Eksimuste analüüs aitab mõista, miks mõisted kaldusid valedesse järeldustesse. Õppekava keskendub eksimuste vältimisele ja eksimuste vähendamisele. The term is typically translated as "mistakes" or "errors" in English, with nuance depending on context.

See also: Viga, Eksperiment, Analüüs.