tautunut

Tautunut is a Finnish adjective formed from the verb tautua, meaning to become taut or tense. As a past participle, tautunut describes something that has become drawn tight or strained. It can function as a predicative adjective (describing a subject after a linking verb) or as a modifier in noun phrases, and it inflects for number and case like other Finnish adjectives.

Usage and nuance

The literal sense of tautunut covers objects that have been tightened, such as ropes, wires, or fabric that has been pulled taut. It can also describe parts of the body, for example muscles that have tightened or tensed. In figurative usage, tautunut can describe a situation, atmosphere, or mood that has become strained or highly tense.

Grammar notes

Tautunut is used with Finnish nouns in the position of an adjective. Like other adjectives, it agrees with the noun in number and case. Examples include tautunut köysi (a taut rope), tautuneet lihakset (the tense muscles), and tautunut tilanne (the tense situation). When the noun changes form, the adjective changes accordingly to match case endings.

Examples

- Köysi on tautunut. (The rope has become taut.)

- Lihakset ovat tautuneet jännityksestä. (The muscles have tightened from the tension.)

- Tilanne on tautunut. (The situation has become tense.)

See also

Tautua, the verb from which tautunut is derived, and related expressions describing tension or tightness in Finnish.