Leimata

Leimata is a Finnish verb meaning to stamp or mark something with a stamp or seal, to brand, or more broadly to label or stigmatize. The primary sense is the literal act of marking an object or document; the figurative sense refers to assigning a label or category to a person or group. The word often appears in contexts ranging from administrative or industrial marking to social labeling.

Etymology and forms: Leimata derives from the noun leima, which means stamp or mark. The infinitive form is leimata, and the past participle is leimattu. It is a regular transitive verb, used with a direct object that denotes what is being marked. Related nouns include leima (stamp, mark) and leimaus (the act of stamping or imprinting).

Usage and nuance: Leimata covers both concrete marking (for example, documents, goods, or livestock) and figurative labeling (such as attaching a stereotype or stigma to a person or group). The figurative sense often carries a negative or critical connotation, reflecting social or political judgments.

Related terms: leimaus, the act of stamping or imprinting; leimattu, something that has been stamped or branded. In everyday language, leimata can describe both physical processes and impacts on reputation or identity.

See also: leima, leimaus, leimattu.