Introduction to Estonian Grammar

Estonian grammar is rich and intricate, as one would expect from a language belonging to the Finno-Ugric family. One linguistic feature that stands out in Estonian is the degree of comparison, which concerns adjective and adverb forms. This article delves into the essential aspects of the degree of comparison in Estonian grammar, shedding light on the patterns and constructions that underpin this language feature.

Three Degrees of Comparison in Estonian Language

Estonian boasts three degrees of comparison, which are akin to the English forms known as positive, comparative, and superlative. However, there are distinct differences between the two languages in terms of structure, syntax, and usage. The following sections offer a comprehensive overview of each degree of comparison in Estonian grammar.

1. Positive Degree
The positive degree serves as the baseline form for adjectives and adverbs in Estonian. It features the unmodified version of a word and does not denote any comparison. The positive degree appears in standard sentences and clauses, expressing qualitative or quantitative attributes. Examples of positive degree adjectives are kõrge (tall) and kiire (fast).

2. Comparative Degree
The comparative degree denotes a higher or lesser degree of an attribute in relation to another subject. It involves appending the suffix -m or -em to the adjective or adverb’s positive form, which is subsequently followed by the ablative case of the compared noun. For instance, the comparative forms for the aforementioned examples are kõrgem (taller) and kiirem (faster).

3. Superlative Degree
The superlative degree signifies the highest or lowest degree of an attribute among a group of subjects. It comprises adding the suffix -im to the positive form of an adjective or adverb. Superlative degree words may also include the adverb kõige, which translates to “the most” in English, for added emphasis. Illustrative examples include kõige kõrgem (the tallest) and kõige kiirem (the fastest).

Estonian Grammar Constructions for Degree of Comparison

This section outlines the linguistic constructions that are integral to the degree of comparison in Estonian grammar.

Adjective Inflection and Cases
In Estonian, adjectives must agree with the noun they modify, both in the number (singular or plural), and case (nominative, genitive, partitive, etc.). Depending on the adjective’s degree of comparison, it may take a different set of endings that reflect its agreement with the noun.

Adverbs and Degree of Comparison
Adverbs that indicate manner (e.g., how something is done) have comparative and superlative forms analogous to adjectives. The formation and usage of comparative and superlative adverbs are fundamentally the same as those of adjectives, involving the addition of the appropriate suffix to the positive form.

Irregular Degree of Comparison Forms

Similar to English, Estonian also features some irregular degree of comparison constructions that do not follow the standard rules for forming comparative and superlative degrees. Examples of such irregularities include the adjective hea (good), which transforms into parem (better) and parim (the best) in the comparative and superlative forms, respectively.

In conclusion, the degree of comparison in Estonian grammar is a vital aspect of the language’s structure, intensifying the scope and precision of communication. By understanding how positive, comparative, and superlative degrees form and function, as well as the constructions that underlie them, learners of the Estonian language can unlock its full potential for expressing nuance and intricacy.