viitama

Viitama is an Estonian verb meaning to point to, to indicate, to refer to, or to signal. It covers both physical pointing and more abstract forms of reference, such as drawing attention to a detail, directing someone’s attention to a place, or alluding to something previously mentioned in discourse. In spatial contexts, it describes directing attention toward a location or object; in textual or spoken contexts, it can mean to refer to or imply something related to what has just been stated.

Usage and nuances: Viitama is commonly used when indicating a component on a map or diagram, when guiding someone’s attention to a feature, or when alluding to information from earlier in a conversation or text. It can convey both explicit reference and more indirect or interpretive signaling, depending on context and tone. The verb can appear in various tenses and moods in line with standard Estonian verb conjugation, and it frequently occurs with phrases that specify what is being referred to or pointed at.

Etymology and related forms: Viitama is derived from the noun viide, meaning “reference” or “note,” linking the idea of pointing or signaling with the concept of a reference. The word sits within a family of terms related to mentioning, citing, and directing attention in Estonian.

See also: viide (reference), viidata (to cite), reference in Estonian writing.