epäsuoran

Epäsuora is a Finnish adjective meaning indirect or not directly presented. It is used to describe forms or expressions that are not quoted or stated in their original words, such as indirect speech (epäsuora puhe) and indirect questions. In linguistic and literary discussions, epäsuora often appears when contrasting with direct forms, or when characterizing rhetoric, references, and narratives that relay information rather than reproduce it verbatim.

Grammatically, epäsuora inflects like other Finnish adjectives. The base form is epäsuora. It agrees with the noun it modifies in number and case, for example genitive singular epäsuoran as in epäsuoran puheen (indirect speech) or epäsuoran lauseen (of an indirect sentence). The form epäsuoran is commonly encountered in everyday language when the noun it modifies is in genitive or other cases requiring that ending.

Usage examples include epäsuora puhe, meaning indirect speech or reported speech, where the original words are not quoted and a connector such as että or a subordinate clause introduces the content. Epäsuora can also accompany other nouns to form terms like epäsuora väite (indirect claim) or epäsuora vaikutus (indirect effect), illustrating how the concept extends beyond speech to broader indirect references or influences.

Etymology-wise, epäsuora derives from epä- meaning not or non- and suora meaning direct or straight, signaling the negation of direct presentation. Related terms include suora puhe (direct speech) and epäsuora kysymys (indirect question).