Lähemad

Lühemad is an Estonian adjective form meaning “shorter.” It is the plural nominative form of the comparative adjective or, more precisely, the plural form of the comparative derived from lühike (short). It is used to describe multiple nouns and expresses a relative degree of shortness or brevity.

Formation and usage: In Estonian, adjectives agree with the nouns they modify in number and case. The comparative form of lühike becomes Lühem in the singular and Lühemad in the nominative plural. For example, Lühemad laused means “shorter sentences,” and Lühemad ajad can be used to refer to shorter times. In predicative positions, it can follow a verb: Need on lühemad kui eelmine osa (“These are shorter than the previous part”). Lühemad, like other adjectives, declines according to case and number, attaching to the noun they describe.

Relation to other forms: The opposite of Lühemad is Pikemad (longer), and the corresponding superlative form is Lühimad (shortest) in the plural. Lühemad is not a standalone noun; it remains a grammatical adjective form employed in comparisons of length, duration, or extent.

See also: lühike, lühim, pikem.