Ebavõrdsete

Ebavõrdsete is the genitive plural form of the Estonian adjective ebavõrdne, meaning “unequal.” It is used to describe a plural noun in the genitive case, for example ebavõrdsete võimaluste, meaning “of unequal opportunities.” The nominative plural of the adjective is ebavõrdsed, while ebavõrdsete appears in contexts where the noun it modifies is in genitive plural.

Etymology and meaning: ebavõrdne is formed with the prefix eb-, meaning “not,” attached to võrdne, meaning “equal.” The form ebavõrdsete follows Estonian grammar rules for adjectives that modify plural nouns in the genitive case. Thus, ebavõrdsete signals a disparity or lack of equality with the associated noun.

Usage: Ebavõrdsete is common in discussions of social science, economics, and public policy in Estonian. It typically appears in phrases describing disparities or inequalities, particularly with nouns in genitive plural such as võimaluste (opportunities), tulu (income), kohtlemise (treatment), or teenuste (services). For example: “ebavõrdsete võimaluste teema on keskne paljudes aruteludes” (the topic of unequal opportunities is central in many discussions) and “ebavõrdsuse vähendamine on prioriteetiks valitsusele” (reducing inequality is a government priority).

Related terms include ebavõrdsus (inequality) and võrdsus (equality). Ebavõrdsete, as a form, is a grammatical tool that allows speakers and writers to discuss disparities precisely by linking the undesired condition to the relevant plural nouns in genitive.