Hoogstaande

Hoogstaande is a Dutch adjective meaning high standing, noble, or elevated in a social, moral, or cultural sense. It is used to describe people, families, institutions, ideals, or actions that are respected, prestigious, or morally admirable. The term combines hoog (high) with staan/staand and is employed figuratively to indicate an elevated position or quality. It can appear in both attributive and predicative positions, as in een hoogstaande reputatie or Zijn gedrag was hoogstaand.

Usage and nuance: Hoogstaande is common in formal, academic, or literary Dutch. It often conveys praise or aspiration, implying moral integrity, refined taste, or exemplary conduct. In some contexts, however, it can come across as pretentious or moralizing if overused or used to judge others.

Domains and examples: In social discourse, men spreekt over hoogstaande families, hoogstaande instellingen, and hoogstaande waarden such as integriteit and rechtvaardigheid. In culture and arts, hoogstaande kunst or hoogstaande literatuur signals work with lofty ambition or notable quality. In everyday language, it may describe actions, decisions, or standards that are regarded as worthy or admirable.

Related terms: Hoogwaardig denotes high quality in a more material or functional sense, focusing on excellence of product or service rather than social status. Voornaam, hooggeplaatst or eminent are related notions describing prominence or esteem in different contexts. Hoogstaand is often contrasted with terms that emphasize mere quality rather than elevated status.

See also: vooraanstaand, hoogwaardig, eervol, eminent, prominent.