Keskiaikaisina

Keskiaikaisina is a Finnish inflected form of the adjective keskiaikainen, meaning medieval. It functions as a participial, descriptive form that can be translated as “as medieval” or “in the medieval way.” It is used to describe actions, objects, styles, or periods that belong to or resemble the Middle Ages, and it appears in historical, literary, and design contexts where authors wish to evoke medieval characteristics or settings.

Grammatical note: Keskiaikaisina is typically used when the implied noun is plural or when the phrase modifies a plural noun or a time period. It is commonly paired with phrases where the noun is understood rather than stated explicitly, for example in expressions like “keskiaikaisina aikoina” (in medieval times).

Uses: In academic writing, the form helps situate descriptions within the period being discussed; in historical fiction, it conveys authenticity; in discussions of architecture, costumes, or daily life, it signals that features reflect medieval styles. The word is often found in descriptive passages that compare modern interpretations with how things appeared or were practiced in the Middle Ages.

Examples:

- Keskiaikaisina aikoina kylät elivät maatalouden varassa.

- Keskiaikaisina rakennustyyleinä mainitaan kivimuurit, holvikatot ja suuret tornirakenteet.

See also: Keskiaika, Finnish language grammar.