poikkesi

Poikkesi is the past tense form of the Finnish verb poiketa, which means to deviate, to detour, or to diverge from a path, plan, rule, or expectation. The word covers both literal detours and figurative deviations, and it is commonly used in everyday speech as well as in journalism, science, and planning contexts.

In literal use, poikkesi describes a route that leaves a straight or planned course. For example, Polku poikkesi suorasta linjasta can describe a path deviating from a straight line. In figurative use, it refers to deviations from plans, norms, or forecasts. For example, Tulos poikkesi odotetusta means the result deviated from what was expected.

Grammatically, poiketa is a regular Finnish verb. The present tense forms include minä poikkean, sinä poikkeat, hän poikkeaa. The past tense forms include minä poikkesin, sinä poikkesit, hän poikkesi, me poikkesimme, te poikkesitte, he poikkesivat. The past participle is poikennut, used in perfect tenses (esimerkiksi Tulos on poikennut ennusteesta, “The result has deviated from the forecast.”).

Etymology: poiketa is historically linked to poikki, meaning across, with the sense of turning away from a line or path. Related words include poikkeama (deviation), poikkeus (exception), and poikkeuksellisuus (exceptionality).

See also: poikkeama, poikkeus, poikkeuksellisuus.