mõtlemisel

Mõtlemisel is the adessive singular form of the Estonian noun mõtlemine, meaning thinking or thought. In usage, mõtlemisel marks the circumstance or context of a cognitive process, indicating “in thinking” or “during thinking.” It functions as an adverbial noun, helping to describe events, conditions or actions that occur while a person is thinking.

Morphology and usage

Mõtlemine is a process noun formed from the verb mõtlem a. The adessive form mõtlemisel is used to set a frame for a clause, similar to saying “in the course of thinking” or “while thinking.” It often appears in formal or written language, where the speaker wants to emphasize the cognitive context of an idea, decision, or observation. Examples: Mõtlemisel tekib sageli uus arusaam. (During thinking, a new understanding often arises.) See can also be used with verbs of communication or reasoning to indicate that the action occurs under the influence of or during the thinking process.

Relation to related terms

- mõtlemine: the act or process of thinking; the base noun from which mõtlemisel is derived.

- mõtlemisprotsess: the thinking process, a more explicit term for cognitive activity.

- arutlemine: reasoning or deliberation, closely related in meaning and often overlapping in context.

Usage notes

Mõtlemisel is appropriate in analytical, academic, or reflective writing when the author wants to foreground the cognitive conditions under which a statement is made or an idea develops. In everyday speech, speakers more commonly use other constructions such as “mõtlegi” or simpler phrases, but mõtlemisel remains correct and clear in formal contexts.

See also

- mõtlemine

- arutlemine

- kognitiivne protsess