kopulatiivse

Kopulatiivne is an Estonian linguistic term used to describe relations and constructions that involve a copula, the linking verb that connects a subject with a predicative expression such as a noun or an adjective. The adjective kopulatiivne refers to elements or phenomena related to the copula, or to sentences and clauses where the copula plays a central role.

Etymology and usage context. The word kopulatiivne is borrowed from the concept of copula found in many languages, where a linking verb serves to equate or describe the subject with a predicative complement. In Estonian grammatical descriptions, kopulatiivne is used to label features associated with the copula, its distribution, and the type of predicative expression it connects.

Function and scope. Kopulatiivne describes both the mechanism of linking and the resulting predicative structures. This can include copulative sentences in which the subject is equated with a predicative noun or adjective, as well as more abstract analyses of how the linking verb contributes to meaning, such as identity, description, or categorization within a clause. The term is mainly used in linguistic discussions and grammars rather than in everyday language.

Genitive form. The form kopulatiivse appears as the genitive singular of the adjective kopulatiivne, and is used in phrases like kopulatiivse lause, kopulatiivse ühenduse ja kopulatiivse tähendusega to refer to copulative sentences, connections, or meanings.

See also. predikatiiv, kopula, predikatiivne lause, Estonian grammar.