tõepoolest

tõepoolest is an Estonian adverb meaning "indeed", "really" or "in fact". It is used to confirm, emphasize or agree with a statement and commonly appears in both spoken and written language.

Etymologically the word derives from tõde ("truth") with the element poolest, conveying respect to a side or regard, so that tõepoolest can be understood as "from the side of truth" or "in truth". Grammatically it functions as a sentence adverb and is not inflected for case or number.

In use tõepoolest often introduces or reinforces factual information: for example, "Ta on tõepoolest andekas" ("He is indeed talented") or "Tõepoolest see juhtus nii" ("In fact, it happened that way"). It can express agreement ("Tõepoolest") or serve to correct or nuance a preceding idea.

Tõepoolest is closely related to tõesti; both translate as "indeed" or "really", though tõepoolest is sometimes regarded as slightly more formal or emphatic. Synonyms and related adverbs include päriselt and tegelikult, each carrying subtle differences in emphasis or register.

As a common discourse marker in Estonian, tõepoolest is flexible in placement and tone, appearing in neutral information contexts as well as conversational confirmation.