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
Etymology and relation to other terms: The construction illustrates typical Estonian word-formation processes and reflects how
See also: Estonian morphology; morphological theory; prefixal morphology.
References: The term is not widely standardized; readers should consult specialized Estonian linguistics sources for specific