lähedast

Lähedast is the partitive singular form of the Estonian adjective lähedane, meaning close, near, or intimate. It is used to describe something or someone that is close in space or in relationship, particularly when the noun it modifies appears in the partitive case or in phrases that convey partial or non-total reference. For example, lähedast sõpra means “a close friend” in the partitive form.

Etymology and morphology: lähedane derives from the root lähed-, related to nearness or proximity, with the usual Estonian adjective endings. The form lähedast specifically marks the partitive singular, which is common when describing indefinite quantities or when the object of description is not fully enumerated. This pattern is typical in Estonian for adjectives modifying animate or inanimate nouns in objects of verbs, negations, or expressions of quantity.

Usage: lähedast appears most often in pronoun- and noun phrases where the object is not fully definite. Common contexts include interpersonal closeness (emotional or social proximity) and physical proximity. Examples include: Ma nägin lähedast sõpra (I saw a close friend) and Ta on mulle lähedane inimene (He is a close person to me). The word carries a flexible sense of closeness, overlapping with near, dear, and intimate, depending on context.

See also: lähedus (nearness, proximity), lähedane (close, nearby), related forms in Estonian adjective morphology.

Note: As a grammatical form, lähedast is not a separate lexeme with independent meaning beyond being the partitive singular of lähedane; its meaning is derived from the broader sense of closeness expressed by the adjective.