Vaimne

Vaimne is an Estonian adjective meaning "spiritual" and, depending on context, "mental" or "psychological" when referring to non-material aspects of life. It commonly describes things connected to mind, soul, or spirit, rather than to the physical body. In everyday language it appears in phrases such as vaimne elu (spiritual life), vaimne kultuur (spiritual culture), and vaimne areng (spiritual or moral development). In religious, philosophical, and cultural discourse, vaimne denotes non-material and transcendent dimensions as opposed to material or tangible aspects.

Etymology: Vaimne is formed from the noun vaim, meaning mind, spirit, or soul, with the adjectival suffix -ne. The word has long-standing use in Estonian literature and public life.

Usage notes: The sense of vaimne can extend to non-religious contexts, including psychology and ethics, where it conveys inner, non-material qualities. Its exact nuance can vary by context, sometimes aligning with "spiritual" across religious discourse and at other times with "mental" or "inner" in secular discussions. The related noun vaimsus translates roughly as spirituality or mentality; the root vaim appears in several compounds such as vaimne elu, vaimne kultuur.