Predmetima

Predmetima is a form of the noun predmet used in several South Slavic languages, notably Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian. It is the instrumental plural and the dative plural, depending on context, and it translates roughly as “to the subjects/objects” or “with the subjects/objects.”

Predmet, meaning object, thing, item, or, in educational contexts, subject, can refer to both concrete items and abstract topics. The plural predmeti denotes multiple subjects or objects, while predmetima specifically marks the plural forms used for indirect objects or for indicating means or association in the instrumental plural.

In standard grammar, predmetima is obtained from the stem predmet- plus the plural endings -ima. This form is typically used for dative plural (to the subjects/objects) and instrumental plural (by means of or with the subjects/objects). Because the dative plural and instrumental plural share the same ending in this noun, predmetima can function in either of these roles within a sentence, depending on the complement or preposition used.

Etymology traces predmet to a root meaning “object” or “thing,” with pred- overlapping across related words in Slavic languages. The term reflects a sense of something placed before or considered as an object of significance, which evolved into both everyday objects and academic subjects.

See also: Predmet (grammar), Slavic noun declension, South Slavic languages.