säännölliset

Säännölliset is a Finnish plural form of the adjective säännöllinen, meaning regular, routine, or following a rule. It is used to describe nouns in the plural and indicates that something occurs with consistency, predictability, or in accordance with established patterns. As a standalone form, säännölliset can also function as a substantive referring to the group of items or people that are regular, such as “the regulars.”

In everyday language, säännölliset is used to talk about routines and schedules, for example säännölliset ruokailuajat (regular meal times) or säännölliset tarkastukset (regular inspections). In a grammar or linguistics context, the term appears in phrases like säännölliset verbit (regular verbs), contrasting with epäsäännölliset verbit (irregular verbs), to describe conjugation patterns that follow predictable rules.

In mathematics and geometry, säännöllinen can describe objects with uniform properties, such as säännöllinen monikulmio (regular polygon), where sides and angles are equal. Although the Finnish term overlaps with more specialized terminology in various fields, its core meaning remains consistency and adherence to a rule or pattern.

Etymology wise, säännöllinen derives from the noun sääntö, meaning rule, with the diminutive suffix -llinen that forms adjectives indicating “having the quality of.” The plural form säännölliset reflects standard Finnish agreement for adjectives modifying plural nouns.