korkeimpana

Korkeimpana is a Finnish grammatical form that means “as the highest” or “in the role/state of the highest.” It is the essive case form of the superlative adjective korkein, used to express a temporary state or role in a clause, often in combination with a noun phrase in the nominative or with a following noun in the partitive or other cases.

Etymology and grammar notes: The base adjective korkea means “high” or “tall.” Its comparative/superlative form korkein denotes the highest. The essive suffix -na/-nä is added to express “as” or “in the state of,” producing korkeimpana. This form typically accompanies nouns or noun phrases that designate a role, aim, or value, as in phrases like korkeimpana tavoitteena or korkeimpana arvona.

Usage and nuances: Korkeimpana is most common in formal, academic, or journalistic Finnish. It appears in clauses describing goals, priorities, or roles, for example when stating what something is in the sense of “as the highest priority” or “as the highest value.” In everyday speech, speakers may choose more straightforward expressions, but korkeimpana remains natural in written language and public discourse.

Examples:

- Korkeimpana tavoitteena on ilmastonmuutoksen hillitseminen. (The ultimate/highest goal is to curb climate change.)

- Korkeimpana arvona pidämme rehellisyyttä ja vastuullisuutta. (We regard honesty and responsibility as the highest values.)

- Hän toimi korkeimpana todistajana oikeudenkäynnissä. (He acted as the chief/primary witness in the trial.)

See also: Finnish grammar, essive case, and the formation of superlatives in Finnish.