vaiksemad

Vaiksemad is an Estonian comparative adjective meaning “the quieter ones” or “more quiet,” used to describe two or more things that are quieter than others. It is the plural nominative form of vaiksem, the comparative of vaikne (quiet).

In use, vaiksemad agrees with a plural noun in number and case. It can function as an attributive modifier before a noun, as in: vaiksemad inimesed (the quieter people). It can also appear as a predicate with the copula: Need inimesed on vaiksemad (These people are quieter).

Etymology and formation: vaiksemad derives from vaikne with the comparative suffix -sem, with the plural ending that marks nominative plural. The base, vaikne, means quiet or silent, and vaiksem is the singular comparative form. The plural form vaiksemad extends this to multiple subjects.

Usage notes: The meaning is relative, indicating a higher degree of quietness compared to reference groups or entities. As with other Estonian adjectives, vaiksemad changes form across cases and numbers, so its exact ending shifts in genitive, partitive, inessive, and other cases.

See also: vaikne, vaikuse, vaikus; Estonian adjectives and comparative forms.