soveltaa

Soveltaa is a Finnish verb meaning to apply, to implement, or to be applicable. It is used when something such as a rule, law, method, or principle is brought to bear in a particular situation, or when a concept is adapted to fit a context. The action can be transitive, as in applying a specific tool or rule to an issue, or intransitive in the sense that a law or regulation applies to a case.

Etymology and related forms: The verb is built on the stem sovelt-, related to the noun sovellus (application) and the adjective soveltuva (suitable). This reflects the sense of making something fit for a purpose or bringing it into practice. The related adjective sovellettava means applicable or to be applied.

Usage notes: In legal, scientific, and educational language, soveltaa is used with objects such as sääntö, laki, periaate, ohje, or menetelmä. The language also employs forms like soveltuva, sovellettavaksi, or the passive or past forms such as sovellettiin to indicate that something has been applied. Typical phrases include “laki soveltuu tähän tapaukseen” (the law applies to this case) and “ohjetta sovelletaan käytäntöön” (the instruction is applied to practice).

Examples: Laki soveltuu tähän tapaukseen. Tutkimuksessa sovellettiin uutta tilastomenetelmää. Ohjetta sovelletaan käytäntöön.