tunnuslik

Tunnuslik is an Estonian adjective meaning characteristic, typical, or distinctive of something. It refers to features or qualities that identify, differentiate, or typify a person, group, era, place, or phenomenon. The term derives from the noun tunnus meaning sign, symbol, or identifier, combined with the suffix -lik, which forms adjectives meaning “like” or “possessing the qualities of.”

In use, tunnuslik describes features that are representative rather than incidental. It is often paired with nouns like omadus (property) or joon (line/feature): tunnuslik omadus, tunnuslik joon. Iseloomulik is a closely related synonym; tunnuslik is typically more neutral and descriptive, while iseloomulik can carry nuance of inherent or defining property. The word is common in scholarly and journalistic contexts when discussing trends, cultures, or classifications.

Examples illustrate typical usage. Selle kultuuri tunnuslik omadus on külalislahkus. (A characteristic feature of this culture is hospitality.) Linn on tunnuslik oma kesklinna arhitektuuriga. (The city is distinctive for its downtown architecture.) Viimaste aastakümnete majanduses on kiire kasv tunnuslik omadus. (In the recent decades, rapid growth has been a characteristic feature of the economy.)

See also: iseloomulik, omadus.