vertaukseksi

Vertaukseksi is a Finnish grammatical term describing the translative form of the noun vertaus, which means a comparison or simile. In linguistic and literary analysis, vertaukseksi is used to indicate that something is being described as, or transformed into, a comparison, or that it serves a comparative function in a sentence. The form is typically found in scholarly writing, grammar descriptions, and dictionaries rather than in everyday speech.

In Finnish morphology, vertaus is the base noun, and the suffix -ksi marks the translative case. The translative often expresses becoming or taking on a role, so vertaukseksi literally means “into a comparison” or “as a simile.” It contrasts with vertauksena (the essive case), which can denote a temporary role or state, as in “as a simile.” The usage of vertaukseksi highlights the transformation into a function of comparison rather than merely naming a comparison.

Etymology: vertaukseksi is formed from vertaus plus the translative suffix -ksi. It fits with Finnish patterns that use translatives to label function or role, adapting to agreement with surrounding words.

See also: vertaus, vertauksena, vertauksellinen, figure of speech, Finnish grammar.

Example: Sanavalinta muuttuu vertaukseksi. — The choice of words becomes a simile. In analytic or didactic writing, vertaukseksi may appear to discuss how a term or phrase functions as a comparison within a text.