otsustav

Otsustav is an Estonian adjective meaning decisive, crucial, or determinate. It is used to describe things, actions, or characteristics that have a decisive influence on an outcome, or to describe a person who acts with firmness and clear resolve. In everyday language it can modify nouns such as influence, moments, decisions, and roles, for example otsustav mõju (decisive influence), otsustav hetk (turning point), or otsustav juht (decisive leader).

Etymology and morphology: the word is derived from the Estonian noun otsus, meaning decision, with the suffix -stav, which forms adjectives that express a quality or characteristic. As an adjective, otsustav does not mark gender, and it inflects for case and number according to standard Estonian grammar.

Usage and nuance: otsustav is often used in political, business, and media discourse to emphasize the importance of a factor or decision in shaping outcomes. It conveys a sense of firmness and clarity, rather than mere preference or opinion. The term can pair with nouns denoting events, actions, or people to highlight their decisive nature or impact.

Related terms: otsus (decision), otsustada (to decide), otsustusvõime (decisiveness or decision-making ability). While related, otsustav emphasizes the quality of decisiveness rather than the act of deciding itself.

In summary, otsustav is a common Estonian descriptor for decisiveness and pivotal influence, applicable to people, moments, and factors that determine outcomes.