võimaldab

Võimaldab is the present tense, third-person singular form of the Estonian verb võimaldama, meaning to enable, to make possible, or to allow. It is used when something or someone gives others the possibility to do something or creates conditions that let something happen.

Etimology and forms: Võimaldama comes from the Estonian adjective võimalik, meaning possible, with a verbal suffix. The related adjective kasutatakse sageli koos teiste sõnadega, while võimaldama yields a full set of finite and non-finite forms. The base verb is võimaldama; its conjugation provides forms such as võimaldab (he/she/it enables), võimaldas (enabled, past), and võimaldage (enable, imperative).

Usage notes: Võimaldab is used to express enabling or permitting actions. It commonly takes an object in the sense of the action that becomes possible, and may be followed by an infinitive clause or a noun phrase describing the result. Examples include: “See võimaldab inimestel teha paremaid otsuseid.” (This enables people to make better decisions.) “Programm võimaldab meil koostada aruandeid kiiremini.” (The program allows us to prepare reports more quickly.) “Uus süsteem võimaldab paindlikku tööaega.” (The new system enables flexible working hours.)

Related terms and synonyms: Võimaldab is close in meaning to lubama and andma võimalust, both expressing permission or creating opportunities. The corresponding verb in passive construction is võimaldatakse, used when something is being enabled by an agent or circumstance. The adjective võimalik (possible) and the noun võimalus (opportunity, possibility) are closely linked etymologically and in usage.