oluliselt

Oluliselt is an Estonian adverb meaning to a great extent, significantly, or considerably. It functions as a degree modifier, intensifying the meaning of adjectives, other adverbs, or verbs. In standard Estonian, oluliselt is used in formal or analytical contexts to express a notable degree of change or difference.

Origin and formation: Oluliselt is derived from the adjective oluline (important) with the adverbial suffix -lt, a common pattern in Estonian for forming adverbs that denote degree. The form is invariant for number and is not declined for case, making it a stable modifier across contexts.

Usage and examples: Oluliselt is typically attached to the word it modifies to indicate substantial change. Common collocations include oluliselt parem (significantly better) and oluliselt suurem (considerably larger). It can modify adjectives, other adverbs, or verbs, and is frequently found in statistics, research reports, journalism, and formal discourse. For example, the sentence Tulemus oli oluliselt parem kui eelmisel aastal means “The result was significantly better than last year.”

Frequency and register: The word is widely understood in Estonian and is most common in written or formal speech. It conveys a precise degree of emphasis and is often preferred where quantifiable change or a strong stance is being described.

See also: Estonian language; degree modifiers; adverbs.