Ajastama

Ajastama is an Estonian verb commonly translated into English as "to schedule," "to time," or "to set (a) timer." It denotes the action of setting a moment or interval for an event, synchronizing timing, or arranging that something occur at a particular time.

Etymology and form

The verb is derived from the Estonian noun aeg (time) with the verbalizing suffix -stama, forming a causative or action-oriented meaning. The infinitive is ajastama; third-person singular present is ajastab and past indicative is ajastas. Related nouns include ajastus (timing) and ajastamine (scheduling).

Usage

Ajastama is used in everyday, technical, and administrative contexts. Common uses include scheduling appointments or tasks, setting timers or alarms, arranging timed publication of content (for example, ajastama postituse), and timing mechanical or electronic processes (such as engine timing or synchronizing signals). It can be transitive: an object (appointment, post, task) is ajastatud by an agent.

Examples

Ta ajastas koosoleku neljapäevaks. (He scheduled the meeting for Thursday.)

Süsteem võimaldab ajastada regulaarseid varukoopiaid. (The system allows scheduling regular backups.)

Synonyms and related terms

Nearby verbs with related meanings include planeerima (to plan) and määrama (to set), while nouns like ajastus and kellaaja määramine cover aspects of timing and scheduling.