vastaamasta

Vastaamasta is a term used in Finnish grammar referring to a non-finite verb form derived from the verb vastata, meaning to answer. In Finnish, the ma-infinitive form is created with the suffix -masta (sometimes -mätä in other contexts) and is used to express aspects of an action without assigning a specific subject or tense. The form võ, “vasta­­masta,” thus functions as a non-finite clause element rather than a standalone finite verb.

Usage and function in sentences are context-dependent. The ma-infinitive often appears in subordinate constructions or in phrases that set up a background action, purpose, or accompanying circumstance for the main clause. Because non-finite forms do not mark person or time by themselves, their interpretation relies on surrounding verbs, particles, and punctuation. In practice, vastaamasta can convey ideas such as “in answering,” “to answer,” or “from answering” depending on the syntactic environment.

In linguistic descriptions used for teaching Finnish, the ma-infinitive is presented as one of several non-finite verb forms. It is contrasted with the basic (first) infinitive, the third infinitive, and other non-finite forms to illustrate how Finnish expresses nuance and relation between actions without requiring explicit finite verbs for every clause.

Overall, vastaamasta is primarily of interest to students of Finnish morphology and syntax. It illustrates how the language forms non-finite clauses around a core verb to describe actions in a flexible, context-driven way.