varhaista

Varhaista is a Finnish word that functions as the partitive singular form of the adjective varhainen, meaning "early." It does not denote a separate concept; it is simply the grammatical form used when the noun it accompanies is in the partitive case, or when referring to an indefinite amount described as early.

In ordinary use, varhaista describes early stages or early time periods. It commonly appears with nouns in the partitive, such as varhaista kevättä (early spring) or varhaista kasvua (early growth). The form is productive in scientific, journalistic, and literary Finnish when the emphasis is on timing or development rather than a countable object.

Etymology and related forms: Varhaista derives from the root varha- meaning "early," with typical adjectival inflection. Related forms include varhainen (the base adjective), varhaisempi (earlier), varhaisin (earliest), and the adverb varhain ("early").

See also: Finnish grammar, Finnish adjectives, varhainen.