iseloomustav

Iseloomustav is an Estonian adjective meaning descriptive or characterizing. It is used to describe something that presents the characteristics, features, or essential traits of a subject. In English, it is commonly translated as descriptive or characterizing.

Etymology and nuance: The word is formed from the Estonian noun iseloom, meaning character or feature, combined with the suffix -ustav, which creates adjectives that express a property or tendency. As a result, iseloomustav conveys that a thing serves to illustrate or depict its subject’s attributes.

Usage and contexts: Iseloomustav is used primarily in descriptive or analytical writing, including academic texts, reports, and literature reviews. It describes descriptions, passages, or representations that focus on presenting features rather than arguing a value judgment. It can apply to people, objects, processes, or phenomena, for example in phrases like iseloomustav kirjeldus (a descriptive description) or iseloomustav lause (a descriptive sentence).

Grammar and forms: Like other Estonian adjectives, iseloomustav agrees with the noun it modifies in number and case. Examples include iseloomustav kirjeldus (nom sg), iseloomustava kirjelduse (gen sg), and iseloomustava kirjeldus (partitive). It can also appear in predicative use with linking verbs, e.g., Lõik on iseloomustav.

Examples:

- The introductory section is iseloomustav and clarifies the topic. (Descriptive in function.)

- Iseloomustav kirjeldus aitab lugejal saada ülevaate peamistest jooned. (A descriptive description helps the reader gain an overview of the main features.)

See also: Descriptive, Characterizing, Estonian grammar.