Võimuks

Võimuks is an Estonian translative form derived from võim, meaning power, authority, or influence. In Estonian grammar, the suffix -uks marks a translative: a state or role into which someone or something enters, or the designation of what someone becomes. Therefore, võimuks conveys the sense of “as power” or “into power,” and is used mainly with verbs of becoming or designation.

Usage and nuance: Võimuks is typically found in formal, philosophical, or historical contexts rather than everyday speech. It often appears in constructions that denote a transition into a state of power or an attribution of power, for example with verbs like saama (to become) or pääsema (to come to power). A common, more colloquial alternative is to use võimule or related phrases to express coming to power, while võimuks emphasizes the state or role of power itself.

Examples: Ta sai võimuks. This can be translated roughly as “he became powerful” or “he came to power,” depending on context. In discussions of governance or political theory, võimuks may appear in phrases describing the concept or legitimacy of power in a given role.

Relation to võim: Võim refers to power or authority, whereas võimuks is the grammatical form used to denote “as power” or “into power” in specific constructions. The word võimuks is primarily a linguistic tool within Estonian, rather than a standalone common lexical item.

Etymology: Formed from võim plus the translative suffix -uks, aligning with other -uks forms that denote a state, role, or transformation.