Verfraaïnen

Verfraaïnen is a Dutch verb meaning to beautify, embellish, or adorn; to improve the appearance of something. The prefix ver- combined with fraai (beautiful) conveys making something more beautiful. The infinitive is verfraaïnen; the diaeresis on ï is used in some spellings to mark the separation of syllables, verfraaïnen. Some writers use verfraaien without the diaeresis; the latter is also found in modern texts.

Usage and nuance: The word is relatively formal or literary and is common in contexts involving design, architecture, urban planning, interior decoration, or styling. It can also be used metaphorically to describe improvements that enhance attractiveness or appeal of ideas, presentations, or reputations. Typical collocations include verfraaïnen gevels, tuinen, interieurs, of een product of evenement.

Grammatical notes: Verfraaïnen is a regular Dutch verb; its conjugation follows standard patterns for -en verbs. The noun form is verfraaiing, referring to the act or result of beautification.

See also: verfraaien, verfraaiing, fraai (adjective), fraaiheid.