Õiglaselt

Õiglaselt is an Estonian adverb meaning in a fair, just, or proper manner. It describes actions performed with fairness or propriety and is used across formal, neutral, and everyday language to express that something was done in a just way.

Etymology and form: Õiglaselt is formed from the adjective õiglane (fair, just) with the adverbial suffix -lt, and is thus an adverb of manner. It is related to the noun õigus (justice) and to the broader concept of fairness. In contrast to similarly sounding words, õiglaselt denotes fairness rather than merely correctness.

Usage notes: The word is typically applied to describe how actions are carried out, not whether statements are technically true. It often appears with verbs such as kohtlema (to treat), jaotama (to distribute), or hindama (to evaluate). For example: Ta kohtles kõiki õiglaselt. Otsus jaotati õiglaselt kõigi vahel. Me peame tegutsema õiglaselt. It is important to distinguish õiglaselt from õigesti, which means “correctly” or “properly” in the sense of accuracy or right execution, rather than fairness.

See also: Related Estonian terms include õigluse (justice), õiglane (fair, just; noun for a fair person or adjective), and õigus (law, rights). The word Õiglaselt is a standard part of formal and everyday vocabulary when discussing fairness or proper conduct.