mõjutavad

Mõjutavad is the Estonian verb form that means “they influence” or “they affect.” It is the third-person plural present tense form of the verb mõjutama, which means to influence or affect. The corresponding singular present tense form is mõjutab (he/she/it influences), while minä form is mõjutan (I influence).

The word is used with plural subjects to express ongoing or general influence in the present. It appears in contexts ranging from everyday speech to formal writing. For negation, it becomes ei mõjuta, and in questions one can ask kas mõjutavad? The verb can also appear in different tenses to indicate past or future influence, such as mõjutas (influenced) and mõjutavad (will influence).

Etymology is linked to the noun mõju, meaning influence or effect; mõjutama is formed from this root with the typical Estonian infinitive suffix -ta. The noun mõju and the verb mõjutama share the same semantic field, relating to cause, impact, or effect on something else.

Typical usage and examples:

- Need tegurid mõjutavad tulemusi. (These factors influence the results.)

- Reklaam ja meedia mõjutavad tarbijate eelistusi. (Advertising and media influence consumer preferences.)

- Uudised võivad mõjutada avalikku arvamust. (The news can affect public opinion.)

See also: mõju, mõjutamine, mõjuta.