elatiiviablatiivi

The elatiiviablatiivi is a grammatical case found in some Finnic languages, most notably in Finnish. It combines the functions of the elative case, which indicates motion away from something, and the ablative case, which can indicate separation or origin. In Finnish, this merged case is known as the "elatiiviablatiivi" or simply "elatiivi" as it has largely absorbed the functions of a distinct ablative. The elative case ending in Finnish is typically -sta/-stä, and when used to express separation or origin, it serves the role that a separate ablative case might in other languages.

Examples of its use include indicating movement from a place, for instance, "talo*sta*" meaning "from the house." It can also denote the source of something, such as "olen kotoi*sta*" which translates to "I am from home." Furthermore, the elatiiviablatiivi can express the origin of an idea or emotion, like "ilo*sta*" meaning "from joy." This dual function makes it a versatile case in Finnish grammar, allowing for nuanced expression of spatial and abstract relationships. The distinction between pure elative (motion out of) and ablative (separation from, origin) is often blurred or combined into the single elative case ending in modern Finnish.