Ongehinderd

Ongehinderd is a Dutch word that functions as both an adjective and an adverb. It describes a state or action performed without hindrance or obstruction, meaning that there are no impediments to movement, communication, or progress. For example, "het verkeer kon ongehinderd doorgaan" indicates that traffic could proceed without obstruction, and "de gesprekken verliepen ongehinderd" means the talks proceeded smoothly without impediment.

Etymology and usage notes: The term is formed from the negating prefix onge- combined with hinderen, the verb meaning to hinder. Hinderen derives from older Dutch roots related to hindrance; the prefix onge- is a common way to form antonyms in Dutch. In everyday language, ongehinderd is commonly used in formal and semi-formal contexts to emphasize freedom from obstacles. It is often paired with verbs of action or processes, such as spreken, doorgaan, verspreiden, or verlopen.

Relation to synonyms and related terms: A closely related term is onbelemmerd, which also means without obstacles but with a nuance of freedom from external constraints. Another common expression is zonder hinder, a more literal paraphrase. While ongehinderd emphasizes lack of hindrance, onbelemmerd can carry a broader sense of being free from impediments in a more physical or structural sense.

See also: hinderen, onbelemmerd, zonder hinder, vrijbaan.

In summary, ongehinderd is a neutral, versatile term used to describe actions or processes that occur without obstruction, arising from the negation of hindering and widely applicable in both spoken and written Dutch.