revetä

Revetä is a Finnish verb that appears in standard language, though it is relatively uncommon in everyday speech. The basic sense associated with revetä is to pull back, retract, or withdraw—either in a physical sense (drawing an object toward the speaker or away from a reference point) or in a figurative sense (taking a step back in position, opinion, or stance). Because revetä is not among the most frequently used verbs, speakers often prefer closer equivalents such as vetää takaisin (to pull back) or vetäytyä (to withdraw or retreat).

Etymology and morphosyntax: The word is formed from a root related to pulling and the infinitive suffix -ä, aligning with the general pattern of Finnish -ä verbs. It follows standard inflection rules for that class of verbs, though specific conjugations are less common in contemporary usage due to its relative rarity.

Usage notes: In modern Finnish, revetä tends to appear more in literary, historical, or formal contexts, and may be encountered in older texts or certain idiomatic expressions. In everyday language, choosing a more common synonym often improves clarity and naturalness. The nuance of revetä can convey a more abrupt or decisive withdrawal than some other verbs.

See also: vetää, vetäytyä, vetäminen. These related verbs cover more common ways to express pulling, retreating, or withdrawal in Finnish and provide widely understood equivalents in many contexts where revetä might otherwise be used.