lihtsustatult

Lihtsustatult is an Estonian adverb meaning “in simplified terms” or “in short.” It is used to present a complex topic in a clearer, more accessible way, often before a summarizing restatement or explanation intended for non-specialists. The expression commonly appears in journalism, education, and official communications to improve clarity.

Etymology and form: The word is derived from the verb lihtsustada, meaning “to simplify,” combined with the adverbial suffix -tult, which marks manner. As such, lihtt­sustatult literally conveys the manner of simplification and is usually placed at the beginning of the sentence or clause that follows a more detailed or technical statement. It is closely related to other clarity-focused phrases such as lihtne või lihtsalt, but lihtt­sustatult emphasizes a reduced, easier-to-understand presentation.

Usage and nuances: Lihtsustatult is typically used to introduce a non-technical summary, a high-level overview, or an executive-friendly restatement. It helps guide readers or listeners toward the essential points without diving into specialized terminology. In formal writing, it can precede a concise explanation or bullet-like synthesis presented in prose. In everyday language, it serves to set a plain-language tone when discussing complex topics.

Examples:

- Lihtsustatult öeldes, projekt maksab 1,2 miljonit eurot.

- Lihtsustatult: süsteem koosneb kolmest peamisest komponendist.

See also: The term is part of a family of expressions used to improve accessibility in Estonian, alongside lihtsalt, lihtsalt, and muud selgitused designed to present information clearly.