Attributiivset

Attributiivset is the partitive singular form of the Estonian adjective attributiivne, which means “attributive.” In Estonian grammar, attributiivne describes adjectives that modify a noun directly in a noun phrase, as opposed to adjectives used in predicate position after a linking verb (predikatiivne).

The form attributiivset appears when the adjective modifies a noun that is in the partitive case. Like other adjectives in Estonian, attributiivne inflects for case and number, and its partitive singular form is attributiivset. This form is not a separate word with its own meaning; it is a grammatical ending used in specific syntactic contexts.

Usage and function: attributiivsed adjectives precede the noun they modify and specify a property or attribute of that noun. For example, in the nominative (the basic, unmarked case) you would use attributiivne to describe a noun, such as attributiivne omadus meaning “an attributive property.” When the noun is in the partitive case, the corresponding form of the adjective becomes attributiivset, as in attributiivset omadust meaning “(some) attributive property.” The exact appearance of the ending depends on the noun’s case and number.

Relation to predicates: in predicative use, the adjective serves as part of the predicate and often aligns with the subject’s case, but it is separate from the attributive use. The term attributiivset therefore primarily concerns agreement and case in attributive noun phrases rather than a distinct lexical item.

In summary, attributiivset is the grammatical form used for attributive adjectives in Estonian when the modified noun is in the partitive case. It reflects the broader distinction between attributive and predicative adjective use in Estonian syntax.