Iseloomulikud

Iseloomulikud is the plural form of the Estonian adjective iseloomulik, meaning "characteristic", "typical" or "distinctive". It is used to describe qualities, traits or features that are representative of a person, object, group or phenomenon. The adjective derives from the noun iseloom ("character, nature") with the adjectival suffix -ulik.

Grammatically, iseloomulikud appears as the nominative plural form and is used when modifying plural nouns or referring to multiple items: for example, iseloomulikud jooned ("characteristic features"), iseloomulikud tunnused ("typical traits"). Like other Estonian adjectives, it inflects for number and case to agree with the noun it qualifies. Comparative and superlative forms include iseloomulikum and kõige iseloomulikum.

In usage, iseloomulikud is common in both spoken and formal written Estonian, especially in descriptions in academic, scientific and journalistic contexts (e.g., iseloomulikud mustrid, iseloomulikud käitumisviisid). Synonyms with overlapping meaning include tüüpilised and iseloomuliku iseloomuga (depending on nuance). The word can also function substantively in context to mean "characteristic ones" when the noun is understood from context.