kahtlust

Kahtlust is an Estonian term related to suspicion. It denotes a state of doubt or mistrust toward a person, situation, or claim. The word is used in everyday speech to describe a sense that something is not right or that someone may be dishonest, and it also appears in formal contexts such as law and journalism, where it often connects to related concepts like kahtlus (suspicion) and kahtlustus (grounds for suspicion). The corresponding verb kahtlustama means to suspect; forms such as kahtlustatav refer to a person suspected of wrongdoing.

Etymology and related terms: Kahtlust derives from the Estonian root kaht-, meaning doubt. It is closely related to kahtlus (suspicion) and kahtlustus (a formal suspicion or grounds for inquiry). The language also uses kahtlustama (to suspect) and kahtlustatav (a person suspected).

Usage and nuance: Kahtlust expresses a provisional judgment based on evidence, appearance, or inference rather than proof. It is commonly used to convey uncertainty or caution in describing actions, motives, or claims. In legal contexts, kahtlus and kahtlustus designate the existence of suspicion and may influence subsequent investigative steps, without constituting a verdict.

See also: Estonian language; kahtlus; kahtlustus; kahtlustama; kahtlustatav.