täpset

Täpset is a term encountered in Estonian-language contexts but is not part of standard modern Estonian. It is generally considered a nonstandard, dialectal, or historical form associated with the root täp-, which conveys notions related to precision or exactness. In everyday usage, the standard forms are täpne (adjective: precise), täpselt (adverb: exactly), and täpsus (noun: precision). Täpset does not have a widely recognized, fixed meaning in contemporary dictionaries.

Linguistic notes and attestation indicate that täpset may appear as a nonstandard inflected form, a regional variant, or a spelling error in modern texts. Because it lacks stable usage in standard Estonian, its precise function can vary by source, and it is rarely described in depth in reference grammars. When encountered, täpset should be treated as nonstandard or context-dependent, rather than as a canonical part of the language.

Usage guidance suggests preferring standard forms in formal writing and broad communication. If a text uses täpset, readers should consider it as potential dialectal flavor, an older or poetic register, or a misspelling rather than a fixed, normative word. For linguistic study, täpset may be noted as an example of how dialects or historical texts reflect shifts in the Estonian lexicon around words meaning “precise” or “exact.”

See also: Estonian language, täpne, täpselt, täpsus, Estonian dialects.