Gelijk

Gelijk is a Dutch word with several related meanings centered on sameness: it can describe things that are equal in size, amount, value, or status, and it can also denote similarity or likeness between objects or concepts. In everyday language, gelijk often appears in comparisons, measurements, and judgments.

Etymology and related forms: Gelijk comes from Old Dutch gelīc (Middle Dutch gelȳc), related to Proto-Germanic roots that also gave German gleich and English like or likewise. This shared origin reflects a common sense of sameness or correspondence across Germanic languages. The noun form is gelijkheid, and related terms include gelijkwaardig (equally valuable) and gelijke behandeling (equal treatment).

Uses and senses: As an adjective, gelijk describes things that are on a matching level or conform to a standard, as in measurements, quantities, or values. It is frequently used with the preposition aan to express equality with something else, for example gelijk aan vier (equal to four) or gelijk aan elkaar (equal to one another). In law and everyday discourse, the phrase het gelijk hebben means to be in the right or to have the truth on one’s side, reflecting a shift from measurable equality to correctness or legitimacy. The concept of gelijkheid denotes equality as a principle, while gelijkheidsbeginsel refers to a legal or moral principle of equal treatment.

Examples: De prijzen zijn gelijk. Deze lengtes zijn gelijk aan elkaar. In dit geval heb ik gelijk. Gelijkheid is een centraal beginsel in de rechtsstaat.

See also: ongelijk, gelijkheid, gelijke behandeling, gelijkheidsbeginsel, gelijkmaken.