oidessaan

Oidessaan is a Finnish word that functions as an adverbial participle. It is derived from the verb "oide", which is a dialectal form of "olla" (to be). The suffix "-essaan" indicates a past action performed by the subject of the main clause, often translating to "while being" or "when it was". It is typically used in relation to a state or condition.

The grammatical function of oidessaan is to describe a circumstance or quality that was present at the time of another action. For example, one might say "talon, oidessaan komea, oli nyt raunioina" which translates to "the house, while being beautiful, was now in ruins." This highlights a contrast between its past state and its current state.

While less common in contemporary standard Finnish, oidessaan can still be encountered in older texts, regional dialects, and occasionally in more literary or formal contexts. Its usage emphasizes a historical or formerly existing quality that is relevant to the present situation being described. Understanding its etymology from "olla" and its past-participle form helps to decipher its meaning in context.