äritab

Üritab is the third-person singular present tense form of the Estonian verb üritama, meaning to try or to attempt. It is used when a subject (he, she, or something) is currently attempting to perform an action. The infinitive form is üritama, and in present tense the third-person singular form ends with -b, yielding üritab.

Usage and nuance: Üritab conveys a tentative or ongoing effort to achieve something. It is a neutral, commonly used term in everyday speech and writing. In Estonian, other verbs such as püüdma (to strive, to attempt) or katsetama (to try out, to test) can carry similar meanings but with slightly different nuances: püüdma emphasizes exertion and striving, while katsetama emphasizes experimentation or testing.

Grammar: Üritab is a finite verb form that requires a subject in the nominative. It is followed by an infinitive or a complement describing what is being attempted, for example with the pattern ta üritab lahendada ülesannet (he tries to solve the task) or ta üritab rääkida paremini (she tries to speak more clearly).

Examples:

- Ta üritab lahendada ülesannet. (He is trying to solve the task.)

- Ta üritab inglise keelt õppida. (She is trying to learn English.)

- Ma üritan paremini kirjutada. (I am trying to write more clearly.)

Etymology and related forms: The verb üritama is considered native Estonian; its exact historical origin is not firmly documented, but it has cognates in some Finnic languages. Üritab, as the present tense form, is part of the standard conjugation pattern for Estonian verbs ending in -ama.