tegusõnaline

Tegusõnaline is an Estonian linguistic term that describes a word, phrase, or grammatical construction that functions similarly to a verb. It is not a direct translation of "verbal" in all contexts, but rather encompasses elements that convey action, state, or occurrence. This can include actual verbs, but also other parts of speech or structures that are used in a verb-like manner within a sentence.

For instance, in Estonian grammar, certain nouns or adjectives can be used predicatively, taking on a verb-like function to describe a state or attribute. The term tegusõnaline is used to categorize these elements when they are acting in this capacity, even if their base form is not a verb. It highlights the functional aspect of a word or phrase within the sentence structure, emphasizing its role in conveying the main action or state of being. Understanding tegusõnaline is crucial for analyzing sentence construction and the nuances of Estonian verb usage. It also plays a role in distinguishing between different types of predicates in Estonian grammar.