tõeline

Tõeline is an Estonian adjective meaning true, genuine, or real. It describes something that is in accordance with truth, reality, or authenticity, and can refer to people, objects, statements, or values.

The word is derived from the noun tõde, meaning truth, with a derivational suffix that forms adjectives. The sense is “in line with truth” rather than merely “not fake.”

Tõeline is commonly placed before a noun, for example tõeline sõber (a real friend) or tõelise väärtusega (of real value). It can also describe more abstract notions such as tõeline olemus (the true nature) or tõelised tunded (genuine feelings). An adverbial form, tõeliselt, means truly or genuinely. There are close synonyms, such as ehtne, which more often refers to physical authenticity (real gold, genuine goods), and tõepärane, which emphasizes credibility or veracity of information.

Translations of täpsed nuances vary by context; general equivalents are true, real, or genuine. The term underscores adherence to truth or authenticity rather than mere existence. Related concepts include tõde (truth) and tõelisus (genuineness).