omistuslike

Omistuslike is a term used in linguistic typology to describe possession-like marking on nouns or noun phrases that signals ownership or close association without functioning as a canonical genitive or possessive construction. The label is applied in theoretical discussions to distinguish forms that convey a possessive relation but do not fit the standard patterns of possessive pronouns, genitive case, or explicit “of” constructions.

Morphologically, omistuslike forms can be realized in several ways. They may appear as affixes attached to the possessed noun, as clitics attached to the noun phrase, or as a dedicated possessive adjective that follows or accompanies the noun. In some descriptions, the possessor is expressed separately, while in others the marking on the possessed noun encodes the relationship itself. The defining feature is the resemblance to possession in meaning and function, even when the syntax diverges from typical possessive systems.

Semantics and pragmatics of omistuslike constructions cover a broad range. They can indicate ownership or association, kinship, part-whole relations, or other close ties between entities. They are sometimes used in contexts where a direct possessor is implied or understood, or where a language favors marking the possessed entity rather than the possessor.

Typologically, omistuslike is not a universally recognized grammatical category but a descriptive label used in some theoretical works. It intersects with discussions of possessive constructions, genitive marking, inalienable possession, and language-specific strategies for encoding relational meaning. See also possessive construction, genitive case, and inalienable possession.