Duiden

Duiden is a Dutch verb meaning to indicate, signify, or interpret. It is used when something points to a meaning or conclusion, or when signs, data, or behavior are read as having a particular significance. The nuance can range from simply showing evidence to forming a reasoned interpretation of what something means.

Etymology and cognates: The word has Old Dutch roots and is cognate with similar forms in other Germanic languages. In German, a closely related verb with a related sense is deuten, which covers interpretation and indication as well.

Usage: Duiden can be used with different prepositions and in several senses. Düden op means to point to or indicate something. Düden als is used to interpret something as a certain meaning. In academic or analytical writing, duiden is common to express that data or observations suggest a particular conclusion: for example, "De bevindingen duiden op gewijzigd beleid." The term is also used in everyday speech to describe what a sign or event implies.

Noun form and related terms: The noun duiding refers to the act or result of interpretation or designation. Related Dutch verbs include aangeven (to indicate), betekenen (to mean), and tonen (to show), which express nearby shades of meaning in signaling or explanation.

Overall, duiden functions as a versatile term for signaling meaning, interpreting signs, and drawing inferences from evidence in Dutch discourse.