suubitatakse

Suubitatakse is a verb form in the Estonian language that originates from the base verb *suubita*, which means “to baptise” or “to perform a baptism.” It is the third‑person plural, present‑tense passive form of the verb, and translates loosely as “they are baptized.” The word is chiefly used in religious contexts, particularly in texts discussing ecclesiastical rites, liturgies, or theological commentary. Its usage is most common in written Estonian rather than in everyday speech, where the more common verb *serumera* (a borrowing from Latin *serere*, “to bind”) might be employed instead.

The derivation of *suubita* can be traced to older Baltic or Germanic influences, with the root *suub-* correlating with the Latin word *baptismus* (baptism). In older Estonian texts the term appears in church documents, manuals of rites, and biblical translations. In modern usage, the word remains largely confined to liturgical or academic discussions; the phrase *suubitatakse* is rarely used in colloquial Estonian. Because of its specialized nature, the word is often noted in dictionaries and online language resources for learners who study church or historical Estonian.