Elatiivsed

Elatiivsed is a term used in Finno-Ugric linguistics to refer to the elative case forms in languages such as Finnish and Estonian. The elative, or elatiivi (Finnish) / elatiiv (Estonian), is a locative case that marks origin, source, or movement away from a location. It is one of several case systems in these languages and is distinct from related cases such as illative (into), inessive (in), and allative (onto).

Morphology and examples differ between languages, but share the same basic function. In Finnish, the elative suffix is typically -sta or -stä, depending on vowel harmony: talosta means “from the house.” In Estonian, the elative is expressed with the suffix -st, as in majast for “from the house.” These endings attach to the noun (and agree with number and, in some grammars, with certain adjectives) to indicate origin or source. The elative can also appear in extended constructions with pronouns or certain dependent words.

Usage and semantics are mainly spatial but extend to figurative meanings of origin or derivation. It answers questions such as “From where?” or “Out of what?” and often accompanies verbs of movement or change of state. In many contexts, the elative can be used with other postpositions or preverbs to clarify trajectory or source.

Cross-linguistically, the elative exists in several Finnic languages, sometimes with irregular forms or optional usage, and is part of a broader set of locative cases. Some languages rely more on postpositions rather than inflection to express similar meanings.