tilannekohtaisesti

Tilannekohtaisesti is a Finnish adverb meaning “depending on the situation” or “on a case-by-case basis.” It is used to indicate that the applicable rule, decision, or assessment varies with context rather than following a single universal standard. The term is common in legal texts, policy documents, journalism, and organizational communications to signal flexibility and discretion.

Etymology and form: the word is formed from tilanne (situation) and kohtaisesti (in relation to, according to), with the adverbial suffix -isesti. This construction is typical in Finnish for expressing contextual or conditional application.

Usage and nuance: tilannekohtaisesti serves to acknowledge that different circumstances may warrant different treatments. It often precedes statements that require judgment or discretion rather than a fixed rule. For example, a statement might read: “Päätökset tehdään tilannekohtaisesti,” translated as “Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.” The phrase helps convey nuance, but it can introduce ambiguity if not accompanied by explicit criteria or parameters.

Related terms: tapauskohtaisesti (synonym meaning case-by-case) and tilanteen mukaan (according to the situation). These expressions are used similarly to emphasize contextual decision-making.

Limitations: while valuable for flexibility, tilannekohtaisesti can reduce perceived clarity in formal or regulatory contexts if used without specifying criteria. When precision is required, it is common to pair the term with concrete guidelines or decision rules.