Pöördvorm

Pöördvorm is a term used in Estonian linguistics to describe a specific type of grammatical transformation. It refers to the process where a word, typically a noun or adjective, undergoes a change in its grammatical form to express a different, often opposite or reversed, meaning or function without necessarily changing its lexical root. This transformation is not a simple inflection but rather a conceptual shift achieved through a morphological alteration.

The concept of pöördvorm can be observed in various contexts within Estonian grammar. For instance, it can involve a change in case or a modification of a suffix that alters the semantic role of the word. This might manifest as a negation of the original meaning or a shift from a positive to a negative connotation, or vice versa. While not a universally recognized term in all linguistic traditions, pöördvorm is a useful descriptive tool for analyzing certain idiomatic expressions and grammatical constructions in Estonian. Understanding pöördvorm helps in grasping the nuances of how Estonian expresses complex ideas and semantic relationships through word formation and modification. It highlights the flexibility of the Estonian language in adapting its morphology to convey subtle shifts in meaning.