varjoisasta

Varjoisasta is a form of the Finnish adjective varjoisa, meaning shadowy or dim. It is the elative singular form used when the noun it modifies is in the elative case, and it functions as part of a larger noun phrase rather than as a standalone word. For example, varjoisasta huoneesta means “from the shadowy room,” with both the adjective and the noun in the elative singular.

Etymology and form: varjoisa derives from varjo- (shadow) with the adjectival suffix -isa. The elative singular suffix -sta/-stä yields varjoisasta, matching a noun in elative case (for example huoneesta, tilasta, kaupungista). This pattern allows descriptive phrases that convey origin from a shadowy source or location.

Usage: Varjoisasta is commonly employed in descriptive or literary Finnish to create atmosphere—emphasizing dim light, obscurity, or a mood of mystery. It commonly precedes a noun in elative, but can also appear in broader narrative descriptions where the source or origin of something is a shadowy place or thing.

Examples:

- Hän lähti varjoisasta huoneesta. (He left from the shadowy room.)

- Varjoisasta tilasta tulvi kylmä viima. (A cold draft poured from the shadowy space.)

- Kuvauksessa käytetään usein ilmaisua varjoisasta kaupungista. (In description, the phrase from the shadowy city is sometimes used.)

See also: varjoisa (shadowy), elatiivi (elative case), Finnish adjective declension.

Note: Varjoisasta is not a separate lexical entry beyond its role as the elative singular form of varjoisa; its meaning depends on the head noun it modifies.