suuntaaantava

Suuntaaantava is a Finnish adjective meaning indicative or approximate, used to describe statements, figures, or plans that point to a general direction rather than an exact value. It signals uncertainty or roughness and is common in contexts such as estimates, forecasts, and guidelines where precise numbers are not available or not appropriate.

Origin and form: The term combines suunta (direction) and antava (giving). It is typically written as suuntaaantava or suuntaa-antava before the noun, for example suuntaa-antava arvio or suuntaa-antavat luvut. The form agrees with the noun in number and case.

Usage: Suuntaaantava is used to label information that should be interpreted as rough guidance. It characterizes estimates and projections that can change with new data. It also appears in policy or planning contexts to distinguish preliminary or non-binding recommendations from definitive decisions.

Examples: In statistics or economics, a government releases suuntaa-antavat luvut to illustrate potential trends without committing to precise figures. In urban planning, a suuntaa-antava kehitysvisio offers a directional outline rather than a final plan. Media usage often employs the term to convey uncertainty without undermining relevance.

See also: tarkka, arvio, ennuste.