kaunistavate

Kaunistavate is an Estonian grammatical form derived from the verb kaunistama, meaning to beautify. It functions as a present active participle and is used attributively to describe nouns, typically translating roughly as “ornamental” or “decorative.” In usage, kaunistavate often modifies plural or genitive nouns, as in phrases like kaunistavate esemete kollektsioon, meaning a collection of decorative items, or kaunistavate detailide lehekülg, meaning a page about ornamental details.

In design and culture, kaunistavate elements are distinguished from purely functional components. The term is common in catalogs, interior design discussions, architecture, and landscaping when referring to features intended to enhance appearance rather than to perform a primary function. It signals aesthetic purpose and stylistic intention.

Etymology and grammar: kaunistavate arises from kaunistama with the present participle suffix, forming a word that acts like an adjective. It agrees with the noun it modifies in case, number, and gender, as is typical for Estonian participial adjectives. The form is part of a broader set of related words, including kaunistus (decoration) and kaunistamine (beautification).

Related terms and contrasts: kaunistav (ornamental or beautifying, the base participial adjective), kaunistamine (the process of beautification), and kaunistus (an ornament or decoration). These terms reflect a semantic field centered on aesthetics and adornment, distinguishing decorative aspects from functional attributes.

See also: ornament, decoration, aesthetics, Estonian design.