ettekujulike

Ettekujulike is a term found in some Estonian linguistic writings. It combines the prefix ette- meaning “before” or “pre-,” with kuju meaning “shape” or “form,” and the suffix -like, producing roughly “pre-form-like.” The term is used to describe phenomena in morphology or syntax in which a feature or form is conceptualized as a preliminary or schematic version that precedes the fully realized form. Because it is not part of standard Estonian grammar, its meaning varies by author and text, and it appears mainly in theoretical discussions and typological studies.

In practice, et­tekujulike appears in analyses that treat certain shapes, prototypes, or schematic representations as guiding or preconditions for the actual word formation. It is a specialized label, and its exact interpretation depends on the theoretical framework of the author. The concept reflects common methods in Estonian morphological analysis of labeling abstract phenomena by combining a directional prefix with a noun for form and a general -like suffix.

Etymology and relation to other terms: The construction illustrates typical Estonian word-formation processes and reflects how researchers create labels for abstract constructions by merging et­te- with kuju and a likeness suffix. Related discussions occur in broader topics of Estonian morphology, morphological theory, and prefixal morphology.

See also: Estonian morphology; morphological theory; prefixal morphology.

References: The term is not widely standardized; readers should consult specialized Estonian linguistics sources for specific usages.