Üksikvormi

Üksikvormi is an Estonian term that translates to "single form" or "individual form." It is primarily used in linguistics and grammar to denote a grammatical form that stands alone or represents a singular instance of a word's inflection. This concept contrasts with compound forms or those that indicate plurality or other grammatical categories.

In the context of Estonian grammar, üksikvormi refers to the basic, uninflected state of a noun, adjective, or pronoun when it is not modified by case, number, or other grammatical markers. For example, the nominative singular case is often considered the üksikvormi of a noun. This form is typically the one found in dictionaries.

The understanding of üksikvormi is crucial for analyzing sentence structure and word relationships in Estonian. It helps in identifying the core meaning of a word before grammatical modifications alter its function or meaning. While the term is straightforward, its application can be nuanced depending on the specific grammatical context and the part of speech being examined. The concept is fundamental to comprehending the morphology and syntax of the Estonian language.