nõuandva
Nõuandva is an Estonian word that translates to "advisory" or "consultative" in English. It is commonly used as an adjective to describe a role, a body, or a process that provides advice or guidance. For instance, a nõuandva organ is an advisory body, such as a committee or a council, whose primary function is to offer recommendations to a decision-making authority. Similarly, a nõuandva teenus refers to a consultative service, where an expert provides professional advice to a client. The term emphasizes the nature of providing input and expertise rather than direct authority or implementation. It suggests a supportive function aimed at informing and guiding decisions. The etymology of the word comes from "nõu," meaning advice, and the participle suffix "-ndav," indicating something that does or is capable of doing. Therefore, nõuandva inherently conveys the concept of being in a position to offer counsel. This can be applied in various contexts, from business and legal advice to public policy and personal guidance. The distinction between a nõuandva role and a decision-making role is crucial; the former advises, while the latter decides.