täheldama

Täheldama is an Estonian verb meaning to notice, perceive, or detect something, often something that requires attention or is not immediately obvious. It can refer to sensory perception, such as noticing a change in appearance or sound, as well as to becoming aware of a fact or situation through observation or reasoning. The nuance is slightly more deliberate than a casual noticing.

Etymology and forms: Täheldama is built on the stem täheld-, and is related to the noun täheldus (notice, detection) and to tähelepanu (attention). It is a regular Estonian verb with the infinitive ending -ma and typical conjugation patterns for similar verbs, such as täheldan, täheldad, täheldab, etc.

Usage: The word is common in formal, literary, and journalistic styles, though it also appears in everyday language. It is used when highlighting that someone has observed a detail, change, or fact. It can take clauses or phrases that specify what was noticed, for example, "Ta täheldas, et uks oli veidi avatud" (He noticed that the door was slightly open) or "ta täheldas muutust" (he detected the change). Synonyms include märkimine (to notice) and tajumine (to perceive); täheldama often conveys a sense of careful or perceptive noticing.

Related forms: The noun täheldus (notice, detection) and the adjective täheldatav (detectable or perceivable) are derived from the same root. The concept is linked to attention, as seen in related words like tähelepanu (attention).

See also: tähelepanu, täheldus, märkamine, tajumine.