Ligikaudsem

Ligikaudsem is an Estonian comparative adjective derived from ligikaudne, meaning approximately or rough. It describes a higher degree of approximation or lower precision in a statement, estimate, or measurement, relative to another reference point.

In grammar, ligikaudsem agrees with the noun it modifies in number and case, and is used when comparing the precision of two statements or estimates. It appears in constructions such as on ligikaudsem kui (is more approximate than) and ligikaudsem hinnang (a more approximate estimate).

Origin and usage notes: The form is created from ligikaudne plus the comparative suffix -sem. It is typical in planning, budgeting, risk assessment, and scientific writing to indicate lower precision without presenting a firm value.

Examples:

- See hinnang on ligikaudsem kui eelmine. (This estimate is more approximate than the previous one.)

- Prognoos on ligikaudsem, kuna täpsed numbrid pole kättesaadavad. (The forecast is more approximate because precise numbers are not available.)

- Tulemused esitatakse ligikaudsematena, kuni täpsemad mõõtmised on tehtud. (The results are presented as more approximate until more precise measurements are made.)

See term helps distinguish between exact and imprecise information and is part of standard Estonian vocabularies for data reporting and communication about uncertainty.