pikaajalise

Pikaajalise is the genitive singular form of the Estonian adjective pikaajaline, which means long-term or lasting for a long time. It is used to modify a noun when the noun is in the genitive case, as in phrases like pikaajalise mõju (“the long-term effect”) or pikaajalise plaani (“of a long-term plan”).

Etymology and meaning: The adjective pikaajaline is formed from pika, the genitive of pikk meaning long, combined with ajaline, meaning time-related. Together they describe something that extends over an extended period rather than a short term.

Usage: Pikaajalise is common in formal and technical writing, including science, economics, policy, and health literature. It is used to discuss phenomena, plans, or projections that unfold over years or decades. It contrasts with lühiajaline forms, used for short-term contexts. Because Estonian adjectives agree with the noun in case and number, pikaajalise will appear in various genitive singular contexts depending on the noun it modifies.

Grammar note: Pikaajalise is not a standalone lexical item but the inflected form of pikaajaline. The base form pikaajaline is used in the nominative singular before a noun, while pikaajalise appears when the noun is in genitive singular. Other inflected forms exist for different cases and numbers.

See also: pikaajaline (the base form), lühiajaline (short-term) for contrast.