suhteutua

Suhteutua is a Finnish verb meaning to relate to or to be related to something, and more broadly to be relevant or connected to a given context, topic, or phenomenon. The term is commonly used in analytical or academic writing to express a link between a statement, finding, or observation and another element such as evidence, theory, or prior work. It can describe direct connections as well as more general relevance.

Etymology and form: Suhteutua is derived from the noun suhde (relation) with the verb-forming elements that create an intransitive verb. The word belongs to Finnish verbs used to indicate relational or contextual connections rather than physical action. As an intransitive verb, suhteutua typically requires a complement that specifies what is being related to or referenced.

Usage notes: In everyday Finnish, suhteutua appears most often in formal or scholarly prose. It is used to convey that a fact or claim has a relation to another element, such as a theory, data set, or historical context. Common constructions include phrases that denote relation to something (for example, “suhteutuvat johonkin” or “suhteutuvat aiempiin tutkimuksiin”). For contrasted purposes, a related transitive verb suhteuttaa means to relate or contextualize something to something else, but usage varies by nuance and domain.

Related terms: suhde (relation), suhteellisuus (relativity), suhteen (relation/genitive form), suhteuttaminen (the act of relating something to something else).

See also: relation, contextualization, academic writing practices.