Ulatuslikumat

Ulatuslikumat is a term used in linguistic discussions to denote the most extreme degree of extensity on a gradation scale. It is not a standard word in contemporary Estonian, but it appears in theoretical writings and some dialectological corpora as an illustrative form of how adjectives might encode maximal extent. In general usage, the common comparative form is ulatuslikum and the superlative is kõige ulatuslikum; ulatuslikumat is therefore discussed as a potential or historical variant rather than a widespread everyday form.

Origin and form: Ulatuslikumat is said to be formed from the adjective ulatuslik (extensive) with suffixal patterns that appear in discussions of Estonian gradation. Its exact status varies by analysis: some researchers treat it as a historical or dialectal variant of the comparative, while others regard it as a hypothetical construct used in typology to illustrate possible forms of maximal extent.

Usage and interpretation: In scholarly contexts, ulatuslikumat is used to talk about an extreme end of a scale of extent in a language-typology or semantics discussion. It does not feature in standard Estonian grammar guides for everyday speech. When mentioned, it is typically accompanied by caveats about dialectal variation, historical period, or theoretical framing.

Examples (theoretical and illustrative): See on ulatuslikumat kui miski teine (illustrative, not representative of common usage). See projekt on ulatuslikumat kui eelmine (also illustrative for discussion of gradation).

See also: ulatuslik, gradation, comparative and superlative forms in Estonian, dialectology, language typology.