Ootuste

Ootuste is a term in the Estonian language that functions as the genitive plural form of the noun ootus, meaning waiting, expectation, or anticipation. The word is used in grammatical constructions to refer to things related to waiting or to multiple expectations within a discussion or text. In practice, ootuste often appears in formal, academic, or literary contexts where the author speaks about collective or extended periods of anticipation.

Etymologically, ootus is a native Estonian noun meaning the act or state of waiting. The form ootuste reflects standard Estonian morphological patterns for forming the genitive plural of masculine or degenerate nouns ending in -us, and it is closely related to cognates in related Finnic languages. A common English rendering of ootuste would be “of the waits” or “of the expectations,” used to describe things pertaining to waiting periods or anticipated outcomes.

Usage and context are predominantly in written Estonian. Ootuste is less common in everyday speech, where speakers typically use ootus (singular) or alternative phrasings to express related ideas more directly. When it does appear, it tends to emphasize collective or abstract aspects of anticipation rather than concrete, individual waiting.

See also: ootus, odotus (Finnish), anticipation, waiting.