väljendati

Väljendati is an Estonian verb form meaning "was expressed" or "were expressed." It is the past tense form in the passive voice of the verb väljendada, which means to express, convey, or articulate. This form is used when a statement, sentiment, or opinion is reported without naming the agent who expressed it.

In grammar, väljendati signals that the action of expressing happened in the past and that the doer is either unknown or deliberately left unnamed. The passive construction allows the focus to be on the content expressed rather than on who expressed it. In formal or journalistic writing, agents may be introduced with by-phrases such as poolt, e.g., osalejate poolt (by the participants), to indicate who expressed the sentiment.

Väljendati is commonly found in reports, summaries, and academic texts where findings, reactions, or positions are described as having been articulated. It contributes a cautious, objective tone by presenting statements as outcomes of discourse rather than as direct statements by a specific speaker.

Examples:

- Aruandes väljendati kahtlusi seoses kavandatava reformiga. (The report expressed doubts about the proposed reform.)

- Uuringu tulemused väljendati kriitiliselt, rõhutades vajadust täiendavate uuringute järele. (The study’s results were expressed critically, emphasizing the need for further research.)

See also: väljendada, väljendus, vääldus (related forms of expressiveness).