Ainutlaatuisina

Ainutlaatuisina is a Finnish word-form derived from the adjective ainutlaatuinen, meaning unique. It is the plural essive form, used to express “as unique ones” or “in the capacity of being unique.” This form appears when the subject is plural and described in a state or role.

In Finnish grammar, the essive case marks a temporary state or role, similar to saying “as” in English. The plural essive form, as in ainutlaatuisina, is used when referring to multiple referents that share the quality of being unique. The construction combines the stem of the adjective with the plural essive ending, yielding a phrase that characterizes a group in its unique capacity.

Usage of ainutlaatuisina is most common in descriptive, scholarly, or formal writing. It allows speakers to highlight the exceptional nature of a collection, group, or set of items, rather than individual members. The form emphasizes the collective quality of being unique.

Examples:

- Heidät nähtiin ainutlaatuisina esimerkkeinä tutkimuksessa. (They were seen as unique examples in the study.)

- Nämä teokset ovat ainutlaatuisina teoksina kirjallisuuden historiassa. (These works stand as unique pieces in the history of literature.)

Ainutlaatuisina therefore functions as a precise, formal way to indicate that multiple entities are considered unique in a given context. It is one of several essive forms used to describe states or roles in Finnish grammar.