This is the 495th most frequent Estonian word.
olevat
"Reportedly is" or "is said to be."
Here, 'olevat' functions to relay indirect information, implying uncertainty or lack of direct confirmation about the ownership of the house.
Maja olevat kuulunud kuulsale kunstnikule enne tema surma.
The house was said to have belonged to a famous artist before their death.
In this sentence, 'olevat' is used to indicate hearsay, suggesting that the reported action is attributable to someone else's perception or narration.
Mulle öeldi, et ta olevat näinud kummalist valgust metsas.
I was told that he reportedly saw a strange light in the forest.
In this sentence, 'olevat' serves to frame a piece of information as a claim made by others, denoting that it is not confirmed by the speaker.