olennaisesti

Olennaisesti is a Finnish adverb meaning essentially, fundamentally, or in a material sense. It signals that a statement concerns the core or most important aspects of a matter, rather than incidental details. The nuance can be translated as “essentially” or “substantially,” depending on the context.

Etymology and form: Olennaisesti is formed from the adjective olennaellinen, meaning essential or important, with the adverbial suffix -isesti. The related noun olennaisuus denotes essentiality or significance.

Usage and nuance: The word is common in formal, analytical, or policy-oriented writing to highlight the central point or core factors. For example, “Olennaisesti kyse on kustannuksista” indicates that the essential issue is the costs. Another exemplo is “Olennaisesti kyse on resurssien jakamisesta,” stressing that resource allocation is the key matter. It can also modify a verb to express that an action affects the core aspect of a situation, as in “Toimenpide on olennaisesti parantanut tilannetta.” In everyday speech, speakers may choose alternatives like keskeisesti when a slightly different nuance is desired.

Related terms and contrasts: Olennaisuuden and olennaellinen are the noun and adjective forms related to the concept of essentiality. The word acts as a counterpoint to nonessential or incidental details; opposite terms include epäolennaisesti or phrases that downplay significance. Olennaisesti is best suited for emphasizing core significance in formal or precise discourse.