ikuistamaan

Ikuistamaan is the present active infinitive of the Finnish verb ikuistaa, meaning to immortalize or to make eternal. The form denotes the action of preserving someone or something in memory, status, or public recognition so that it endures beyond the present moment. In English, ikuistamaan is usually translated as “to immortalize” or “to eternalize.”

Etymology and form: the verb stems from ikuinen, meaning eternal, combined with the -istaa causative/ transitive suffix. The -maan infinitive is a non-finite form used to express purpose or to introduce subordinate verb phrases, for example after verbs of movement or intention: Hän meni ikuistamaan muiston. Aikoo ikuistaa muiston is also possible.

Usage: ikuistamaan is commonly used in contexts of commemoration, literature, film, religion, and journalism when describing acts intended to preserve memory or honor. It often collocates with nouns such as muisto (memory), tapahtuma (event), or kulttuuriperintö (cultural heritage). Example sentences: Finnish: Hän meni ikuistamaan muiston ottamalla valokuvan. Translation: He went to immortalize the memory by taking a photograph. Finnish: Elokuvissa pyritään ikuistamaan historiallisia tapahtumia. Translation: In films, there is an aim to immortalize historical events.

Related forms: The root verb ikuistaa has related non-finite and noun forms, such as ikuistaminen (the act of immortalizing) and ikuistettu (immortalized, past passive participle). The present passive form ikuistetaan is used to say something is being immortalized.