derivaadid

Derivaadid is an Estonian term used to refer to words formed through derivation. In linguistic study, derivaadid represent a major class of lexemes created from a base form by applying derivational affixes. They are used to expand the vocabulary and can change the word’s part of speech or add specific semantic nuances.

Derivation in Estonian mainly occurs through suffixation, and to a lesser extent through prefixation. Derivaadid can yield nouns from verbs, adjectives from nouns, or adjectives from verbs, among other combinations. They are distinguished from inflected forms by their lexical meaning, not merely by grammatical case, number, tense, or mood. Derivaadid are typically analyzed in morphology as distinct units with a recognizable derivational history and sometimes with shifts in meaning.

In practice, derivaadid are often listed as separate entries in dictionaries, sometimes with notes about their origin, productivity, and any semantic extension or narrowing. Productivity varies by affix and over time, with some affixes yielding a large number of derivatives and others being more limited or archaic. The study of derivaadid touches on phonology, stress patterns, and the interaction of derivation with compounding in Estonian.

In mathematics, derivatives describe rates of change and are usually referred to in Estonian as derivatsioon or derivatiiv in standard texts. The term derivaadid is not the common label for mathematical derivatives, though it may appear in multilingual or historical discussions.

See also: Derivation (linguistics), Morphology, Lexical derivation.