Sobivamad

Sobivamad is the plural comparative form of the Estonian adjective sobiv, meaning “more suitable.” It is used to compare the suitability of multiple items and must agree in number with the noun it modifies.

Morphology and formation

The positive form is sobiv (“suitable”). The singular comparative is sobivam (“more suitable”). To form the plural nominative comparative, Estonian adds the suffix -amad, resulting in sobivamad. This form matches plural nouns and can appear in both attributive positions (before a noun) and predicative positions (after a linking verb).

Usage and examples

Sobivamad is used to express that several options are more suitable than others. Examples: Need sobivamad lahendused oleksid paremad valikuidena. See variant on sobivamad kui teised. The phrase can also function as a modifier in phrases such as sobivamad võimalused, sobivamad tööriistad, or sobivamad lahendused, aligning with the plural noun it describes. In a sentence with a comparison, the usual pattern is to introduce the comparison with kui: “Need lahendused on sobivamad kui need teised.”

Related forms and nuance

Sobivamad is the plural form; for the most suitable (superlative) form, Estonian uses sobivaimad (plural) or sobivaim (singular). The term generally conveys relative, context-dependent assessment of suitability, common in decision-making, procurement, planning, and evaluative writing.

See also

Sobiv and sobivaim are related forms used to express distinct degrees of suitability in Estonian grammar.