varjoutuivat

Varjoutuivat is a Finnish word that translates to "they hid themselves" or "they were hidden." It is the past tense plural form of the verb "varjoutua," which means to hide, conceal, or become hidden. The word describes a state of being concealed, often from view or discovery.

The usage of "varjoutuivat" can be literal or figurative. Literally, it might describe animals seeking refuge in foliage or people disappearing into shadows. Figuratively, it can refer to secrets being kept, emotions being suppressed, or truths being obscured. The context in which the word is used determines its precise meaning.

For example, in a historical account, one might read "vihollisjoukot varjoutuivat metsään" which translates to "the enemy forces hid themselves in the forest." In a more metaphorical sense, a literary passage could state "hänen todelliset motiivinsa varjoutuivat hymyn taakse" meaning "his true motives were hidden behind a smile."

The word "varjoutuivat" is part of the rich inflectional system of the Finnish language, where verb forms change significantly to indicate tense, mood, and person. Understanding this word provides insight into how the Finnish language expresses the concept of concealment and evasion.