kõvem

Kõvem is the Estonian comparative form of the adjective kõva, meaning hard, firm, or tough. It denotes a greater degree of hardness or toughness and is used to compare two or more things or states. In standard Estonian, kõvem is typically paired with kui in comparative clauses, as in expressions like kõvem kui teine or kõvem kui eelmises proovikus.

In usage, kõvem can describe both physical properties and metaphorical qualities. For example, it can refer to the hardness or durability of materials, such as a stone being kõvem than another, or to a figurative sense of toughness or resilience, as in a plan or approach that is kõvem than a previous version. The form is most commonly found in predicative position after the verb olema (to be) or within a comparative construction with kui.

Morphology and related forms: kõvem is the standard comparative form of kõva. The corresponding superlative form is typically expressed with additional modifiers or periphrastic constructions rather than a single fixed suffix, and may vary with context. The base word kõva remains in use across related expressions, including the feminine and plural agreements that arise in full sentences.

See also: kõva, Estonian grammar, comparative and superlative forms in Estonian.

Overall, kõvem functions as a straightforward comparative adjective in Estonian, enabling precise comparisons of hardness, toughness, or resilience in both literal and figurative senses.