Liggend

Ligend is a Dutch word derived from the verb liggen, meaning to lie or to be in a horizontal position. It functions as the present participle and is used as an adjective to describe something that is lying down or currently in a lying position. In practice, liggend occurs in phrases such as a liggend persoon or a liggend object, and can be combined with a prepositional phrase to indicate the specific position (for example, liggend op bed).

In everyday use, liggend contrasts with gelegen. Gelegen is the past participle of liggen and expresses location or situatedness, often in compound tenses or passive constructions. For example, iets is gelegen aan een rivier means it is located by a river. Thus, liggend conveys a temporary or current state of lying, while gelegen refers to where something is located.

Etymology traces liggend to the Dutch verb liggen, which itself comes from older Germanic roots related to lying or being situated. The term shares cognates with related Germanic languages and reflects the common Indo-European concept of position in space.

Usage notes: in Dutch grammar, adjectives formed from participles can take an -e ending when they appear before a definite noun, so de liggende patiënt is a typical construction. The form liggend may appear in various inflected positions depending on syntax, though liggende is also encountered in contemporary usage. The noun ligging exists to denote a position or lying orientation, while gelegen serves as the past participle indicating location.

See also: liggen, ligging, gevestigd, horizontaal.