Ligesindede

Ligesindede is a Danish term used as both an adjective and a noun to describe people who share similar opinions, beliefs, or goals. As a noun, it typically appears in the definite form de ligesindede, meaning “the like-minded.” As an adjective, it can modify a noun, for example ligesindede vælgere (like-minded voters) or ligesindede organisationer (like-minded organizations). The word conveys a sense of aligned mindset and mutual understanding within a group.

Etymology and usage

The word combines lige (equal or alike) with sind (mind or disposition), with the suffix -ede forming an adjective or collective noun. Ligesindede is commonly used in political, social, and professional contexts to denote groups that share values or viewpoints, and it can refer to informal social circles as well as formal collectives.

Context and implications

The concept is closely linked to social identity and group dynamics. Like-minded groups can facilitate coordination, trust, and shared action, but they can also contribute to echo chambers or polarization if cross-group dialogue is limited. In journalism and discourse, de ligesindede is often used to describe factions or audiences characterized by homogeneous opinions.

Relation to other terms

In English, the closest equivalent is like-minded. Similar terms exist in other languages, such as Gleichgesinnte in German, which conveys a comparable idea of people with aligned beliefs. The Danish term is neutral in itself but may carry evaluative nuance depending on context.

See also

Like-mindedness; group identity; echo chamber; political polarization.