püsivad

Püsivad is a word in Estonian that can function in two related ways. As a verb form, it is the third-person plural present tense of the verb püsima, meaning to persist, endure, or remain. In this use, phrases like nad püsivad mean “they persist” or “they endure.” As an adjective, püsivad is the plural nominative form of püsiv, meaning lasting, permanent, or enduring. It is used to describe nouns that have a long-lasting or stable quality, for example püsivad omadused (enduring features) or püsivad hinnad (stable or persistent prices) in appropriate contexts.

Etymology and related forms: püsiv comes from a Finnic root shared with Finnish pysyvä, which also means persistent or permanent. Related Estonian terms include püsivus (persistence), püsivalt (persistently), and püsima as the verb root. In English, püsivad is typically translated as “persistent,” “enduring,” or “long-lasting” when used as an adjective, and as “they persist” when used as a verb form.

Usage and context: The word is common in everyday Estonian when describing characteristics, processes, phenomena, or prices that remain over time. In science, economics, or sociology, it may be used to denote long-term stability or recurring persistence, whereas in general language it can convey resilience or durability. The distinction between the verb meaning and the adjectival meaning depends on sentence structure and context.