epävarmilta

Epävarmilta is a Finnish attributive form used to indicate that information, statements, or sources are uncertain. It is formed from the adjective epävarma meaning “uncertain” with the plural elative suffix -ilta/-iltä, producing epävarmilta. The form typically accompanies a noun in plural, for example epävarmilta lähteiltä or epävarmilta vaikuttavat tiedot. The phrase signals doubt about the origin or reliability of the material it modifies and is most common in formal writing, such as journalism and academic prose.

In use, epävarmilta functions as a hedge that distinguishes verified material from unverified material. It is not a standalone adverb; rather, it acts as a modifier that agrees with the noun in number and case. Example sentences include: Epävarmilta lähteiltä tulleet tiedot osoittavat epäilyttävää luotettavuutta. Tutkimuksen tulokset vaikuttavat epävarmilta, mikä heijastaa rajoitettua dataa.

Etymology and grammar: the word derives from epävarma plus the plural elative suffix -ilta/-iltä, and it conforms to Finnish agreement rules when modifying a following noun. The construction is typically used in written Finnish to place emphasis on the uncertain provenance or reliability of information rather than describing the noun itself.

See also: epävarmuus, epäluotettava, lähde.