väljamõeldud

Väljamõeldud is an Estonian adjective meaning made up, imaginary, or fabricated. It is the past passive participle of the verb väljamõelda, which means to invent or devise, and it is used to describe things that exist only in imagination or that are not true.

The term can denote fiction or fabrication. In literary contexts it describes elements such as väljamõeldud tegelane (a fictional character) or väljamõeldud lugu (a made-up story). In everyday speech it can express skepticism about a claim or explanation, for example when someone presents a välja[mõeldud] reason or excuse as if it were real. While often neutral when referring to fiction, it also carries a negative nuance when applied to untrue statements or misleading claims.

Usage and grammar: Väljamõeldud typically modifies a noun, as in väljamõeldud plaan, väljamõeldud seletus, or väljamõeldud lugu. It can be used predicatively as well: See on väljamõeldud. The word functions across genres, including literature, journalism, and colloquial speech, always signaling that the depicted matter is not genuine or is improvised.

Etymology and related terms: The form derives from väljamõelda, with the prefix välja- producing the sense of “thinking out” or “inventing.” Related nouns include väljamõeldis (a fabrication, invention) and synonyms such as fiktiivne (fictional) or mitte-reaalne (not real). Antonyms include tõeline (real) or reaalne (genuine).

Examples: Ta esitas väljamõeldud põhjuse; see on väljamõeldud lugu, mitte fakt.