tõestate

Tõestate is a form of the Estonian verb tõestama, meaning to prove, to establish as true, or to attest. In its present tense it serves as the second-person plural form, used when addressing multiple people: te tõestate. The verb covers both proving a claim and substantiating it with reasons or evidence. It can also appear in the general sense of asserting or declaring something as true in argumentation or discussion.

Etymology and related forms: The verb tõestama is built around the concept of truth and evidence, related to nouns such as tõde (truth) and tõend (evidence). The infinitive is tõestada, and other common forms include tõestan (I prove), tõestad (you prove), tõestame (we prove), and tõestasite (you proved). The noun forms related to the act of proving include tõestus (proof, attestation) and tõend (evidence).

Usage: Tõestate is typical in formal or analytical writing, such as academic, legal, or journalism contexts, where claims are supported by data or sources. It contrasts with tõendama (to provide evidence) and with tõe tõendamine in the sense of demonstrating truth. Example sentences: Te tõestate oma väite mitmete allikatega. (You prove your claim with several sources.) Tõestage oma argumendid selgelt. (Present your arguments clearly.)

See also: Tõestus (proof, attestation), tõend (evidence), tõde (truth).