nimetada

Nimetada is an Estonian verb meaning to name, designate, or call by a name. It is used when giving a name to a person, place, object, or concept, when designating someone with a title or role, or when labeling something with a term. In many contexts it corresponds to the English verb “to name” or “to designate,” and it can appear in both formal and informal speech. The verb can be used in passive constructions to indicate that someone has been named.

Etymology and cognates: The word is derived from the Estonian noun nimi, meaning “name.” It has cognates in other Finnic languages, notably Finnish nimetä (“to name”).

Usage notes: Nimetada is a transitive verb that requires an object referring to what is named, and often a second element specifying the name or designation. Common constructions include naming a person: Ta sai nimeks James (He was given the name James), or naming someone to a position: Ta nimetati uueks juhiks (He was named the new leader). It can also express naming something as a particular term: Nimetame selle terminiks (We name it the term).

Related forms: The noun nimetus (designation, name) is closely related in meaning, and the participle nimetatud (named) is used in passive constructions to indicate a designation that has already been given.