Sõltuvas

Sõltuvas is an Estonian adjective form meaning dependent or in dependence. It is the inessive singular form of the base adjective sõltuv, which describes something that relies on or is conditioned by another factor. The word is closely related to the noun sõltuvus, which denotes dependence or addiction, but sõltuvas specifically functions as an inflected adjective rather than a standalone noun.

Etymology and grammar: The form derives from the verb sõltuma, meaning to depend. In Estonian, adjectives inflect for case and number, and sõltuv becomes sõltuvas in the inessive singular, used to express “in a state of dependence” or “in a dependent condition.” Other inflected forms exist for different cases and numbers, such as sõltuvates in the inessive plural, depending on the noun they modify.

Usage: Sõltuvas is used to describe nouns that are characterized by dependence on something else. It appears in phrases like sõltuvas olukorras (in a dependent situation) or sõltuvas keskkonnas (in a dependent environment). It contrasts with independent or autonomous descriptors, such as sõltumatu.

Relation to addiction context: While the noun sõltuvus covers dependence in general and can refer to addiction, the adjective sõltuv or its form sõltuvas especially denotes dependency as a state or quality of the modified noun, rather than the concept of addiction itself.

See also: Sõltuvus, sõltumatu, dependent and addiction-related terminology in Estonian.