adjektiivimaisissa

Adjektiivimaisissa is a Finnish linguistic term used to describe words or expressions that are adjective-like in form or function, but do not fit neatly into the everyday, strictly defined adjective category. The term is mainly encountered in descriptive grammar and theoretical discussions about how Finnish morphosyntax handles word classes that resemble adjectives.

Morphology and form: The form adjektiivimaisissa is the inessive plural form of the adjective-like category described by the term adjektiivimainen. In practice, this label is used when analyzing how certain words or phrases behave like adjectives within noun phrases or predicates, even if their origin or exact classification differs from the standard adjectives.

Function and usage: Adjektiivimaiset or adjektiivimaisissa forms may participate in attributive modification, predication, or other syntactic roles that resemble adjective usage. The term helps linguists discuss subtle gradations between traditional adjectives, participles, and other descriptive elements that convey qualities or characteristics without being a textbook adjective in every context. In everyday Finnish, speakers would typically describe such items using more familiar categories (adjectives, participles, or nominalisations), while the label adjektiivimainen/adjektiivimaisissa remains a tool for formal analysis.

Relation to other concepts: The concept sits at the intersection of adjectives, participles, and nominalised expressions. It is used to highlight cases where morphology and syntax align with adjectival behavior without conforming to a single, canonical class. This helps researchers map the boundaries and overlaps among word classes in Finnish.

See also: Finnish grammar, adjectives (adjektiivit), participles (-partisiipit), nominalisation, parts of speech.