kirjeldatav

Kirjeldatav is an Estonian adjective meaning describable or capable of being described. It is formed from the verb kirjeldama (to describe) with the participial suffix -atav, which conveys a potential or may-be-described sense. The word is commonly used in analytical, scientific, and academic contexts to indicate that a feature, property, or phenomenon can be described.

In grammar, kirjeldatav functions as a descriptive adjective that agrees with the noun it modifies in number and case. The base form is singular nominative kirjeldatav; the plural nominative form is kirjeldatavad. The genitive singular is kirjeldatava, and the genitive plural is kirjeldatavate. The partitive forms are kirjeldatavat (singular) and kirjeldatavaid (plural). This flexibility allows it to integrate into various Estonian sentence structures, from simple predicates to complex noun phrases.

Usage notes: kirjeldatav emphasizes the potential for description rather than the existence of a description itself. It is distinct from kirjeldav (descriptive), which relates more directly to the act of describing. The term is especially common in technical writing, where authors discuss characteristics or properties that can be described or classified.

Example: See nähtus on kirjeldatav. The property is describable. Another example: Selle uuringu kirjeldatavate andmete hulk on suur. A descriptive phrase indicating the data that can be described. See also: kirjeldav, kirjeldama.