peitma

Peitma is an Estonian verb meaning to hide or to conceal. The infinitive form ends with -ma, which is typical for Estonian verbs, and the word functions as a standard transitive verb in everyday language as well as in literary contexts. It can describe both literal concealment (placing something out of sight) and figurative concealment (hiding information, motives, or emotions).

Etymology and cognates: Peitma derives from the Finno-Ugric language family and has cognates in related languages. In Finnish, for example, the cognate form peittää means to cover, reflecting a shared semantic field around concealment and protection across related languages.

Usage and nuance: The verb is versatile and appears in a range of registers, from practical instructions to metaphorical expressions. It can be used with various objects and agents to indicate hiding actions, concealment of truths, or the evasion of discovery. In literary usage, peitma can convey notions of discretion, secrecy, or evasiveness, depending on context and paired terminology.

See also: Estonian language; Finnish peittää; Finno-Ugric language family.

References: This overview summarizes common linguistic usage of the term peitma in Estonian. For detailed grammar and examples, consult Estonian language grammars or reputable linguistic references on Finnic languages.