Because verbalizing a noun means “relativization” – it deletes information about the quality of the semantic relationship between the entities involved – denominal verbs can be interpreted in various ways, and denominal verb derivatives fall in several semantic subgroups. This means that vague semantics is an inherent feature of noun-based verbs, not a result of secondary developments; it is often im- possible to determine any “original semantic function” for denominal verb suffixes.
This paper presents a short survey of primary denominal verb suffixes in the Uralic language family. The same primary suffixes – notably TA, L and J – appear in most of these languages with very similar characteristics. Thus it is possible that their denominal use, beside the deverbal use, is an ancient feature.