võrreldes

Võrreldes is an Estonian word that functions as a present adverbial participle derived from the verb võrrelda, meaning to compare. It is used to express a relationship of comparison and is commonly translated as “in comparison” or “compared with.” The form introduces a clause or phrase that contrasts two or more items or conditions.

Usage and function:

Võrreldes is typically used to set up a comparison between a reference point and another item or situation. It often appears at the beginning of a clause and is followed by the thing being compared, such as a noun phrase or a dependent clause. The construction is common in formal writing, reporting, and analytical text.

Etymology:

Võrreldes is formed from the verb võrrelda (to compare) with the adverbial participle suffix -des, producing a non-finite form that links clauses to express comparison.

Related terms:

Võrdlus (comparison), võrreldav (comparable), and võrreldava (comparable one) are related lexical items. In stylistic terms, võrrreldes helps create concise, contrastive statements often found in summaries and data analysis.

Examples:

- Võrreldes eelmise aastaga on majanduse näitajad paranenud. (In comparison with the previous year, economic indicators have improved.)

- Võrreldes teiste linnadega on siinne tööturu olukord parem. (Compared with other cities, the local labor market is better.)

Notes:

Võrreldes is a formal, neutral expression suitable for informative writing. It is distinct from other comparative constructions and helps signal a reference frame for the ensuing comparison.