armastuslikke

Armastuslikke is an Estonian inflected form of the adjective armastuslik, meaning loving or affectionate. It is not a standalone noun; it functions as an attributive modifier that appears with plural nouns in the partitive case.

Formation and usage: The base form armastuslik is derived from armastus (love) with the suffix -lik indicating a characteristic. When describing plural nouns in the partitive case, the adjective takes the partitive plural ending -ke, giving armastuslikke. In Estonian, adjectives decline by number and case, and armastuslikke is specifically used with plural nouns in the partitive. Examples include armastuslikke mälestusi (loving memories), armastuslikke sõpru (loving friends), and armastuslikke hetki (loving moments).

Grammatical role: Armastuslikke acts as a descriptive, non-nominative form. It does not stand alone as a noun; it modifies a following plural noun in the partitive case. The construction is common in both written and spoken Estonian and can carry a sentimental or affectionate nuance depending on context.

Related forms and etymology: The adjective armastuslik is linked to armastus (love) and the derivational suffix -lik, which yields meanings like “characteristic of love.” Related nouns include armastuslikkus (lovingness, affectionateness). The form armastuslikke is one of several inflected endings the adjective can take to agree with different nouns and cases.

See also: armastuslikkus, armastus (love), Estonian adjective inflection.