väljendeid

Väljendeid is the Estonian plural of väljend, generally translated as expressions. The term covers units of meaning in language as well as symbolic constructs in mathematics, logic, and computing. In each domain, väljendeid denotes a configuration of elements that is interpreted as a single value or idea.

In language, väljendeid include phrases, fixed expressions, collocations, and idioms—multicomponent units that convey gestalt meanings beyond the sum of their parts. They vary across registers and languages; many are metaphorical or culturally bound; some are productive (can be extended) while others are lexicalized as fixed units.

In mathematics and logic, väljendeid are sequences of symbols that can be evaluated or manipulated. Arithmetic examples include 3 + 5; algebraic expressions such as a^2 + 2ab; and logical expressions like p ∨ q. In programming, expressions evaluate to values, depending on the language and context, and they are distinguished from statements that perform actions without yielding a value.

In education and lexicography, discussing väljendeid helps describe syntax, semantics, and usage; dictionaries and corpora document common väljendeid; awareness of such units aids language teaching, translation, and cross-cultural communication.

See also: idiom, collocation, mathematical expression, logical expression.