hõlmates

Hõlmates is an Estonian non-finite verb form derived from the verb hõlmama, meaning to embrace, to envelop, or to include. In linguistic terms, it functions as a present adverbial participle and is used to indicate simultaneous or circumstantial action in a sentence. The form is most commonly found in literary or formal prose and is less frequent in ordinary spoken language.

Usage and meaning

As an adverbial participle, hõlmates often describes how the main action is performed or the surrounding circumstance in which it occurs. It can convey a sense of accompanying action, such as someone performing an embrace or enclosure at the same time as another event unfolds. In practice, it is typically set off from the main clause by punctuation and can modify the subject or the action of the main clause.

Morphology and construction

Hõlmates is formed from the stem of hõlmama with a participial suffix that marks present, adverbial function. The construction interacts with the main clause to produce a nuanced, descriptive sentence rather than a straightforward, simple statement. Its use tends toward stylistic or descriptive writing rather than everyday speech.

Example

Ta naeratas, hõlmates mind. (He smiled, embracing me.)

Relation to other forms

Hõlmates belongs to the broader system of Estonian non-finite verb forms, which include participles and other adverbial constructions used to express temporality, manner, or circumstance without introducing a new finite verb.

See also

Estonian grammar, participles, non-finite clauses.