vaimsed

Vaimsed is an Estonian adjective used to describe things related to the spirit, mind, or inner life, as opposed to the physical or material world. The term covers a range of meanings from spiritual and religious dimensions to more psychological or metaphorical senses. In everyday language it appears in phrases such as vaimsed väärtused (spiritual values), vaimne elu (spiritual life), and vaimsed kogemused (spiritual experiences).

Etymology and form: Vaimed derives from vaim, meaning spirit or mind, with the common Estonian adjectival ending -sed. It is used to modify plural or generic nouns, for example vaimsed inimesed (spiritual people) or vaimsed omadused (spiritual qualities).

Usage and nuance: Vaimsed can describe beliefs, practices, or qualities tied to non-material aspects of existence, as well as metaphorical or intellectual life. The word is common in religious, philosophical, cultural, and educational contexts, and appears in discussions of well-being and psychology—examples include vaimne tervis (mental health) and vaimsed kogemused (spiritual experiences). The exact nuance depends on context, with possible senses ranging from literal spirituality to broader inner or imaginative life.

See also: In Estonian, vaimne can often be used more specifically as spiritual, while vaimsed serves as the plural/adjectival form to describe multiple such qualities or entities. The noun vaim (spirit or soul) covers related meanings, but vaimsed is primarily an attributive adjective.