püh

Põh is a bound morpheme in the Estonian language that denotes basis, foundation, or core. It appears in a wide range of derived words and compounds, and it is not used as an independent lexical item in standard Estonian; instead, it forms part of longer words.

Etymology and semantics: The morpheme is linked to the noun põh, meaning base or bottom, and it carries the sense of foundation, justification, or underlying principle. In many adjectives and nouns, põh- signals a relation to core or basis, rather than a mere physical bottom. Its semantic reach extends to concepts such as main cause, main part, or fundamental property.

Common formations and examples: Words built with põh- include põhjus (reason), põhjalik (thorough), põhinev (based on), põhivara (principal asset), põhiseadus (constitution), and põhikool (primary school). In these formations, the base meaning of “basis” or “foundation” broadens into the specific sense of each word, with suffixes and compounds shaping the precise concept.

Usage notes: The põh- base is highly productive in Estonian word formation. It combines readily with derivational and ending affixes to yield nouns, adjectives, and nouns indicating institutions or principles. The exact nuance—reason, basis, foundation, or basis for action—depends on the surrounding morphemes.

Historical linguistics and cognates: Cognates exist in Finnish pohja meaning “base” or “bottom,” reflecting shared Finnic roots. Cross-linguistic echoes of põh- highlight a common semantic core related to foundations and bases within the Finnic language family.