põhineb

Põhineb is an Estonian verb form meaning "is based on" or "based on." It is used to indicate that a claim, argument, or work rests on specific sources, data, or premises. The form is common in academic writing, journalism, and everyday language when linking conclusions to evidence or foundations.

In practice, põhineb appears with a subject in the singular, followed by a noun in the adessive case that denotes the basis, such as andmetel (on data), allikatel (on sources), or uuringutel (on studies). Examples include: See väide põhineb andmetel (This claim is based on data). See artikkel põhineb uuringutel (This article is based on studies). Lugu põhineb tunnistustel (The story is based on testimonies). For plural subjects, the corresponding form is põhinevad (e.g., Väited põhinevad andmetel — The claims are based on data).

Grammatical notes: Põhineb is the present-tense, third-person singular form. The related verb is põhineda, from which other forms such as põhinevad (present plural) and past forms derive. The phrase commonly collocates with data, sources, studies, and other evidentiary bases, making it a standard way to attribute support for statements without asserting direct proof.

Etymology and meaning: põhi means foundation or base, and põhineb is built to express reliance on a foundational basis. The word is neutral and widely used across formal and informal registers.