Targemaks

Targemaks is a term from the Estonian language that functions as a form of the adjective targem, meaning smarter. It is used to express a change toward a higher degree of cleverness or sense, typically in constructions that indicate becoming or turning into a different state.

In Estonian grammar, targemaks appears in phrases that describe a change of state. It commonly follows a verb such as muutuma (to become) or saama (to get / to become), and it acts as a predicative complement that marks the resulting state. Examples include: Ta püüab targemaks saada (He is trying to become smarter) and Nad muutuvad targemaks (They are becoming smarter). The form is associated with the translative function, signaling a transition into a new condition.

Usage and nuance: targemaks is used across formal and informal registers to convey improvement in understanding, judgment, or decision-making. It is not a standalone noun, but a grammatical form tied to phrases describing development or growth in intelligence or prudence. The word is primarily found in Estonian texts and language studies and has limited application outside Estonian grammar.

Etymology and related forms: targemaks derives from the adjective targem with a suffix that marks change of state. Related forms include targem (comparative) and phrases built with muutuma or saama to indicate becoming something else.

See also: Estonian language, comparative forms, translative case, Estonian grammar, predicates of change.