epämääräisempi

Epämääräisempi is a Finnish adjective meaning more indefinite or vaguer. It is the comparative form of epämääräinen, which describes something not clearly defined, definite, or precise. The word is typically used to compare degrees of indefiniteness between two or more items, ideas, or descriptions.

Etymology and formation: epämääräinen is built from the prefix epä- meaning “not,” combined with määräinen meaning “definite” or “definite in scope.” The comparative form epämääräisempi is formed by adding the comparative suffix -isempi to the stem of epämääräinen, yielding the usual Finnish pattern for adjectives ending in -inen.

Usage: Epämääräisempi is used in neutral, descriptive contexts to indicate that one thing is less definite than another. It can apply to descriptions, forecasts, plans, or interpretations where details or boundaries are lacking. For example: Tämä kuva on epämääräisempi kuin tuo, eli se on vaikeammin tulkittavissa. The term is common in written Finnish and in discussions requiring nuance about certainty or precision; it can carry a slightly formal tone compared to more everyday expressions like epäselvä or epävarma.

Related terms: Epämääräinen (indefinite), epävarma (uncertain), epäselvä (unclear). The concept contrasts with definite or precise expressions, highlighting relative vagueness rather than absolute meaning.

See also: Finnish comparative and superlative forms of adjectives ending in -inen; negation prefix epä- in Finnish word formation.