verrokkiverbi

Verrokkiverbi is a theoretical term used in linguistics to describe a class of verbs that encodes a comparison between two referents directly in the verb’s meaning, rather than relying on a separate comparative adjective or adverb. The term is formed from Finnish elements verro- “to compare” and the word for “verb,” and it appears in some niche discussions of Finnic and cross-linguistic comparative constructions. It is not an established universal category, but a label used in descriptions of particular verb semantics.

Definition and scope: A verrokkiverb semantically conveys relative degree such that the clause expresses that one entity possesses a property to a greater or lesser extent than another. In analyses, the comparison aspect is integrated into the verb’s core semantics, with the surrounding predicate providing the target property (speed, size, intensity, etc.). The construction often interacts with language-specific marker systems for comparison, such as postverbal particles, clausal modifiers, or case-marked bases.

Typology and distribution: Verrokkiverbi is described as being attested in a limited set of languages, typically where verb meaning carries degree information. The category varies by language in terms of morphosyntax and the exact range of properties it can encode, from physical dimensions to qualitative states.

Example (constructed): In a hypothetical language L, the verroka verb meaning “to outpace” can be used as A verrokas B, meaning “A is faster than B.” Similar verbs may express other relative properties.

See also: comparative construction, degree verb, verb semantics.

References: Found in specialized discussions of verb-driven comparatives in Finnic-language literature and typological studies.