Uiteenzetten

Uiteenzetten is a Dutch verb meaning to present a subject in detail, to expound, or to lay out a structured explanation. It denotes giving a thorough, coherent account of a topic, such as a theory, plan, set of facts, or argument. The term is relatively formal and is commonly used in academic, professional, and analytical writing.

Etymology and form: the word is formed from uit- (out, forth) and zetten (to place, to set), conveying the idea of placing information in a clear, determined order. The corresponding noun is de uiteenzetting, referring to an exposition or detailed explanation. In practice, uiteenzetten is used when not only stating facts but also organizing them in a logically connected presentation.

Usage and context: uiteenzetten appears in scholarly articles, policy documents, project reports, lectures, and debates. It often implies a careful structure: presenting background, outlining main points, and drawing conclusions. It is more formal than synonyms like uitleggen or toelichten and is commonly paired with adjectives such as uitvoerig, grondig, of helder. The verb can take objects such as een theorie, een plan, of de feiten.

Examples: De promotor heeft in de thesis een uitvoerige uiteenzetting gegeven van de onderzoeksopzet. In de vergadering werd een korte uiteenzetting van de planning gepresenteerd. In zijn uiteenzetting van de geschiedenis schetst ze de ontwikkelingen chronologisch.

Zie ook: uitleg, toelichting, expositie, explication, exposé.