epäilyt

Epäilyt is the Finnish plural noun meaning suspicion or doubt. The singular form epäily refers to a state of uncertainty about something’s truth or accuracy, or to a reason for doubting a claim. The plural epäilyt is used when speaking of multiple suspicions or when discussing the concept in a general sense.

Etymology and form: Epäily is derived from the verb epäillä, meaning to suspect or to doubt, with the common noun-forming suffix -ly. The word conveys a mental state of doubt as well as the potential grounds for questioning something. The related adjective is epäilevä, and the verb is epäillä. Common expressions include phrases like "herättää epäilyjä" (to raise suspicions) and "epäillä jotakin" (to doubt something).

Usage: In everyday language, epäilyt refer to doubts about facts, plans, statements, or credibility. In journalism and public discourse, the term is used to describe grounds for questioning a claim or event without asserting guilt. In legal contexts, epäily can denote that there is doubt concerning a person’s involvement in a matter; the person who is suspected is referred to as epäilty in criminal proceedings. The distinction between epäily (the suspicion or grounds for doubt) and epäilty (the suspected person) is a common, but nuanced, element of Finnish usage.

Notes: Epäily is a flexible term found across formal and informal registers, reflecting a spectrum from skepticism to cautious doubt. Its use often depends on the level of certainty and on whether the speaker intends to refer to a general sense of doubt or to specific suspected circumstances.