Suuremaks

Suuremaks is a grammatical form in Estonian used to express a change into a larger size or greater degree. It is the translative form of the comparative adjective suurem (bigger), formed by adding the translative suffix -aks to the stem suurem. The construction is typically used with verbs that denote change, such as muutuma (to become) or saama (to become), for example in phrases like muutuma suuremaks or sai suuremaks. The form marks a process rather than a static attribute, distinguishing a state that has grown or increased from a prior one.

Morphologically, suurem is the base in the comparative degree, and translative -aks creates suuremaks, indicating becoming into a larger state. This form is most common in formal or written Estonian and is used when describing growth, expansion, or intensification of size or extent. It is often found in contexts discussing quantities, measures, or capacities that have increased.

Usage notes: Suuremaks is not a standalone adjective but a finite form used with verbs of change. It contrasts with the positive size suur and the bare comparative suurem, which are used in different syntactic contexts. It is typical in narratives of growth, economic descriptions, and other situations where a transition to a larger state is being reported.

Examples: Hind kasvas suuremaks. Rahvaarv kasvas suuremaks. See shows prices and population increasing to a larger level. See also: Estonian grammar, translative case, adjectives.