tavoittelevat

Tavoittelevat is a Finnish verb form meaning they aim for or they pursue. It is the third-person plural present indicative of the verb tavoitella, which means to aim for, pursue, or strive toward a goal. The related noun tavoite means a goal or objective. The combination of these terms reflects a purposeful effort to reach a desired outcome.

In terms of grammar, Finnish present tense forms attach person endings to the verb stem. For tavoitella, the third-person plural present ends with -vat or -vät, yielding tavoittelevat when the preceding vowels require back-vowel harmony. The corresponding third-person singular present form is tavoittelee (he/she aims). The form tavoittelevat is typically used with a plural subject and often takes a direct object in the partitive case when referring to a target or outcome, as in “yritykset tavoittelevat kansainvälistä kasvua” (companies aim for international growth).

Usage notes and examples illustrate its meaning and nuance. Examples include: "Yritykset tavoittelevat kansainvälistä kasvua" (Companies seek international growth), "Joukkueet tavoittelevat korkeita tuloksia" (Teams strive for high results), and "Koulutuspoliittiset ohjelmat tavoittelevat parempaa oppimistulosta" (Educational programs aim for better learning outcomes). Synonyms capturing a similar sense include pyrkiä and aikoa, though tavoittelevat conveys more active, goal-oriented pursuit.

In negation, Finnish uses ei + tavoittele, as in "he eivät tavoittele" (they do not aim). The form tavoite, tavoitella, and tavoitteellisuus are related terms often discussed together in Finnish syntax and semantics.