üksikuks

üksikuks is the translative form of the Estonian adjective üksik, meaning solitary, single, or lonely. The word is used to express a transition into a new state or status, similar to the English “into becoming” or “to turn into.” In standard Estonian, translative forms of adjectives like üksik are used after verbs that denote change, such as saada (to become), jääma (to remain), or muutuma (to become).

Usage notes:

- The form yksikuks functions as a predicative complement, describing what someone or something becomes. It is common with verbs of becoming, for example: saada üksikuks (to become solitary), muutuda üksikuks (to turn into a solitary figure), jääda üksikuks (to be left alone/to remain solitary).

- It can describe social or personal states, such as changes in relationship status, living situation, or emotional condition. It is not typically used as an adverb; it specifically marks a change of state.

Examples:

- Ta sai üksikuks pärast lahutust. (He became solitary after the divorce.)

- Pärast kolimist jäi ta üksikuks. (After moving, she remained alone.)

- Ta muutus üksikuks ja vältis kontakte. (He turned into a loner and avoided contacts.)

Etymology:

- Formed from the root üksik with the translative suffix -uks, aligning with other Estonian adjectives that express changes of state. The term is primarily a grammatical construction and is widely understood in standard Estonian usage.