Pahentava

Pahentava is a Finnish adjective formed from the verb pahentaa, meaning to worsen or aggravate. The word describes something that causes a situation to deteriorate or becomes more severe. It is commonly used in medical, scientific, and policy contexts to characterize factors, effects, or conditions that amplify problems or symptoms.

In usage, pahentava is typically attached to a noun to create phrases such as pahentava vaikutus (an aggravating effect), pahentava tekijä (an aggravating factor), or pahentava oire (an worsening symptom). The term carries a neutral, descriptive tone and does not imply intention on the part of a subject. It can function as an attributive adjective (pahentavan vaikutuksen) or in plural form (pahentavat vaikutukset) to agree with the noun in number and case. In predicate position, Finnish often prefers verbs like pahenevat (they worsen) rather than using pahentava in a predicate, though pahentava can appear in descriptive constructions modifying a noun.

Etymology-wise, pahentava derives from paha meaning “bad” with the causative suffix -entaa, giving pahentaa “to worsen.” The present participle form thus yields the adjective, used to express worsening or aggravating character.

See also: pahentaa, parantava. The term is chiefly encountered in formal or technical writing; in everyday language, speakers might opt for more common verbs or phrases to convey worsening conditions.