lihtsaim

Lihtsaim is an Estonian adjective meaning the easiest or the simplest. It is the superlative form of lihtne, which means easy or simple. For example, the sentence See on lihtsaim lahendus translates to That is the simplest solution. Lihtsaim can also appear with other nouns in phrases like lihtsaim viis (the easiest way).

Etymology and formation: In Estonian, the superlative is formed by adding the suffix -saim to the stem of the adjective. Thus lihti, from lihtne, becomes lihtsaim when describing the most easy or straightforward option. The pattern follows standard Estonian superlative construction, with vowel harmony and consonant adjustments governed by the language’s morphology.

Usage and nuance: Lihtsaim is used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate that something requires the least effort, complication, or risk among a set of options. It is common in instructional, evaluative, and rhetorical writing. The related comparative form is lihtsam (simpler, more straightforward), used to compare two items. Synonyms or near-synonyms include kergem (easier) and, in some contexts, lihtne as a base form.

See also: liitne, lihtsam, kergem, lihtne.