tarkimmin

Tarkimmin is a form associated with the Estonian language, built from the adjective tark, meaning wise. It is described in some sources as a superlative or intensifying form that would convey the highest degree of wisdom, roughly corresponding to “the wisest” or “in the wisest way.” In standard modern Estonian, the more common ways to express the highest degree are kõige targem (the wisest) for attributive use and tarkimalt (wisely) for adverbial use. Tarkimmin is relatively rare in everyday language and is more often encountered in historical texts, poetry, or certain regional dialects, where it can serve as an emphatic or stylistic intensifier.

Usage and status: Many contemporary grammars treat tarkimmin as nonstandard or literary, with limited acceptance in formal writing. Its appearance tends to signal an older or more decorative register, rather than a productive, everyday word. When present, it functions alongside standard comparisons of wisdom, rather than replacing them in most formal contexts.

Etymology and related forms: Tarkimmin is linked to tark, the root meaning wise. Related common forms include tark (wise), targem (wiser), targim (the wisest), and tarkimalt (wisely). The exact status and acceptance of tarkimmin can vary by dialect, corpus, or scholarly tradition.

See also: tark, tarkus (wisdom), tarkus (wisdom, knowledge) and Estonian comparative and superlative forms in general grammar.