tõsisuus

tõsisuus is a noun in Estonian that denotes the quality or state of being serious, earnest, or grave. It describes a lack of frivolity in attitude, speech, or actions and can apply to a person’s disposition, a manner of speaking, or the seriousness of a plan or argument. Etymology: The word is formed from the adjective tõsine (serious) with the abstract noun suffix -sus; a closely related term is tõsidus, which more commonly names the same concept. Usage: In academic, journalistic, and everyday Estonian, tõsisuus is used to emphasize credibility, responsibility, and deliberate consideration. It contrasts with humor or lightness, and can convey trustworthiness or formality when discussing proposals, policies, or analyses. Cultural context: While Estonian culture values directness and seriousness in professional and educational settings, the language also tolerates and even expects moments of levity in appropriate contexts. See also: tõsine, tõsidus, seriousness.