Ilmasõnades

Ilmasõnades is a term used in Estonian linguistics to refer to a class of words and expressions that describe weather and atmospheric phenomena. The category includes nouns, adjectives, verbs, participles and fixed phrases that name or characterize weather conditions, such as sun, rain, wind, temperature, and cloudiness. In studies of descriptive language and literary style, ilmasõnades help explain how weather is encoded and how meteorological imagery shapes mood and scene setting.

Etymology and scope: The term combines ilm, Estonian for weather or sky, with sõna, word; the form ilmasõnades marks a plural terminological usage in academic prose referring to the set of weather-related words and expressions. The concept overlaps with metaphorical language, as many ilmasõnades convey not only literal conditions but also emotional or symbolic meanings, for example clouds gathering as a sign of impending trouble or sunlight used to suggest optimism.

Usage and examples: In everyday speech, journalists, poets and writers use ilmasõnades to discuss weather or to evoke atmosphere. Examples include päike paistab (the sun shines), vihma sajab (it rains), tuul puhub (the wind blows), and pilved kogunevad (clouds gather). In literature these expressions contribute to tone, imagery and pacing, while in journalism they provide concise weather description.

See also and references: Related concepts include weather idioms and meteorological vocabulary in Estonian, as well as cross-linguistic studies of weather imagery in descriptive language and poetry.