üldsõnades

Üldsõnades is an Estonian term that translates to "in general terms" or "broadly speaking" in English. It is used to express a general idea or conclusion without going into specific details or exceptions. When someone speaks üldsõnades, they are providing an overview or a summary that encompasses a wide range of possibilities or situations.

This phrase is commonly employed in everyday conversation, academic discussions, and written texts to simplify complex topics or to make a point without needing to enumerate every single instance. For example, if discussing the weather, one might say, "Üldsõnades, suvi Eestis on soe," meaning "In general terms, summer in Estonia is warm." This statement acknowledges that there can be cooler or unusually hot summers, but it conveys the typical experience.

The use of üldsõnades allows for efficient communication by focusing on the main thrust of an argument or observation. It helps to avoid getting bogged down in minutiae when the broader picture is more relevant. It signifies a level of generalization, where the statement holds true for the majority of cases but might not be universally applicable. Understanding this term is key to grasping the nuances of Estonian discourse, particularly when dealing with descriptive or analytical statements.