Määravad

Määravad is an Estonian verb form and is the third-person plural present indicative of the verb määrama, meaning to determine, set, or prescribe. It is used when a subject that consists of multiple agents performs the action of determining something.

As a finite verb, määravad appears in sentences where the subject is plural and the action is happening in the present. The infinitive is määrama, and the form with -vad marks agreement with a plural subject. The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object in the accusative or a related case, such as terms, rules, deadlines, or conditions.

In usage, määravad is common in administrative, legal, and organizational language, where groups or authorities are described as establishing or fixing conditions. It can refer to governments setting policies, committees deciding rules, or authorities specifying timelines. The tone is neutral and formal, and the verb often appears in reports, regulations, or minutes of meetings.

Examples:

- Kohtuotsus määravad karistused. (The court determines punishments.)

- Valitsus määravad eelarve suuruse. (The government determines the size of the budget.)

- Tugevused määravad reeglid uute projektide jaoks. (The committee determines the rules for new projects.)

Etymology and related forms: määrama comes from the same root as related nouns and adjectives that express determination or designation. The word is a standard part of Estonian verb conjugation and adheres to typical verb-stem patterns with person and number agreement reflected in its ending. See also other Estonian verbs of the same class that form present plural with -vad.