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otsustama — meaning in English: to decide
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to decide
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'otsustama' in both personal and professional contexts. For instance, during a team meeting when discussing project strategies, someone might say, 'Me peame otsustama, millised ülesanded jagada,' meaning 'We need to decide how to divide the tasks.' Similarly, friends might use it when choosing a restaurant, like 'Kuhu me läheme? Peame otsustama,' or 'Where are we going? We need to decide.'
Synonyms & nuances
'Otsustama' is closely related to 'valima,' which means 'to choose.' While 'valima' implies selecting from a set of options, 'otsustama' emphasizes the process of making a decision, often involving more contemplation and discussion. You would choose 'otsustama' when the decision carries more weight or requires deeper consideration.
Culture
'Otsustama' is derived from the root 'otsus,' meaning 'decision.' In Estonian culture, the importance of decision-making is often reflected in their consensus-driven approach to social and political issues, highlighting the communal aspect of choices. This makes 'otsustama' not just a verb, but a reflection of a society that values collective agreement and thoughtful deliberation.
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