Reconstruction:Proto-Finnic/-dë-

This Proto-Finnic entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Finnic edit

Alternative forms edit

*-të- (forms used after a consonant that blocks consonant gradation)

Etymology edit

Possibly originally a variant of the first infinitive stem *-da- (see *-dak), with a shift from unstressed *a > *e after unstressed syllables (compare e.g. *-mpi, *-in, *-pi, *-t'oin).

Suffix edit

*-dë- / *-de-

Suffix of the second infinitive.

Usage notes edit

Always inflected. At least the inessive form existed, and an instructive form also exists in many descendants.

Descendants edit

Estonian: -de-
Finnish: -e-
Ingrian: -e-
Livvi: -je-