teadmata

Teadmata is an Estonian adjective meaning unknown, not known, or unfamiliar. It is used to describe information, identities, or reasons that are not known at a given moment. The word is common in journalism, law, science, and everyday language.

Etymology: Teadmata is formed from the verb teadma, meaning to know, with the suffix -mata, which indicates lack or absence. It is related to the noun teadmine, which means knowledge. The form is typically used where the speaker or reader lacks knowledge about the subject.

Usage: As an attributive modifier, it appears in phrases such as teadmata põhjus (unknown reason), teadmata isik (unknown person), or teadmata andmed (unknown data). In predicative use, one might say, Põhjused on teadmata (The reasons are unknown). In data or research contexts, teadmata can signal missing values or information that has not yet been obtained.

Nuances: Teadmata conveys absence of knowledge rather than intentional concealment; other terms like salastatud (classified) or varjatud (hidden) may express secrecy. The word inflects according to case and number like other adjectives and is paired with appropriate nouns in both singular and plural forms.

See also: Related Estonian terms include teadma (to know), teadmine (knowledge), teave (information), and teadmatus (ignorance or lack of knowledge).