pyyhkäistivät

pyyhkäistivät is the third-person plural past tense form of the Finnish verb pyyhkäistä. This verb generally translates to "to sweep," "to brush," or "to wipe." When used in the past tense and in the third-person plural, it indicates that multiple subjects performed the action of sweeping, brushing, or wiping in the past.

The verb pyyhkäistä can also carry more figurative meanings. For instance, it can mean "to glide" or "to whisk by," suggesting a swift and smooth movement. In this context, pyyhkäistivät would describe multiple entities or people gliding or whisking past. Another metaphorical use is to "brush aside" or "dismiss" something, implying a lack of attention or a quick negation. Therefore, pyyhkäistivät could also signify that a group of people or things were brushed aside or dismissed.

The specific nuance of pyyhkäistivät depends heavily on the surrounding sentence and context within the Finnish language. Understanding the base verb pyyhkäistä and its common applications is key to interpreting the plural past tense form accurately. The verb's versatility allows for a range of literal and figurative interpretations, all revolving around the core idea of a swift or brushing motion.