varovaisempaa

Varovaisempaa is the comparative form of the Finnish adjective varovainen, meaning more cautious or careful. It expresses a greater degree of caution relative to another referent. The form varovaisempaa is the partitive singular of varovaisempi, used in constructions where the modified noun is in the partitive case.

Etymology and form: Varovainen is derived from the concept of caution, with the comparative ending -mpi giving varovaisempi, and its partitive singular appearance as varovaisempaa when the head noun is in partitive. This mirrors Finnish grammar where adjectives in certain contexts take the partitive form to agree with the case of the related noun.

Usage and context: In standard predicative constructions after the verb olla (to be), the nominative form varovaisempi is typically used, as in Hän on varovaisempi kuin ennen. Varovaisempaa appears when the adjective modifies a noun in the partitive case (often with mass or abstract nouns) or in other syntactic constructions requiring partitive agreement. It is common in written language and formal speech to describe a greater degree of caution in actions, plans, or considerations.

Examples:

- Päätöksen tekeminen edellyttää varovaisempaa harkintaa. (The decision-making requires more cautious consideration.)

- Hanke eteni varovaisempaa lähestymistapaa noudattaen. (The project progressed following a more cautious approach.)

See also: varovaisuus, caution; varovaisemmin, more cautiously.