semantilisteks

Semantilisteks is an Estonian grammatical form, specifically the plural translative form of the adjective semantiline (semantic). It is used in predicative constructions to express a change of state or identity, typically following a verb such as saama (to become) or in contexts where a group is designated by a role. In translation terms, it can convey “as semanticists” or “to become semanticists,” depending on the sentence.

Formation and use

In Estonian, adjectives have a plural genitive form, and adding the translative suffix -ks yields the plural translative form. For semantiline, the genitive plural is semantiliste, so the translative plural is semantilisteks. This form marks a shift into a new role or category and is used with a following noun in the predicative position, though the noun is often omitted when the meaning is clear. Example: Nad said semantilisteks. (They became semanticists.)

Usage and notes

The semantilisteks form is relatively specialized and most common in academic or formal writing, especially in discussions of semantics, linguistics, or organizational roles. It is not typically used in everyday speech unless a precise predicative meaning is intended. When teaching or describing Estonian grammar, semantilisteks serves as an example of how the translative case operates with adjectives in the plural.

See also

Estonian grammar

Translative case (Estonian)

Semantiline (semantic)

Semantilised forms (related adjective forms)