Verkies

Verkies is an Afrikaans verb meaning to elect or to prefer. It is used in both political contexts, when referring to choosing a person for a public post, and in everyday speech to express a preference. The verb can indicate formal selection, as well as a subjective choice between options.

Etymology and related forms: Verkies is derived from the Afrikaans verb kies (to choose) with the prefix ver-, which signals a process of selection or prioritization. It is closely related to the Dutch verb verkiezen, and shares a common Germanic origin with similar meanings. The noun form verkiesing denotes an election or a process of choosing, and related terms include verkieslik (preferable) and kiesstelsel (electoral system) in Dutch- or Afrikaans-influenced usage.

Usage in context: In politics, verkies is used to describe the act of selecting someone for a public office. For example, Die inwoners het hom as burgemeester verkies. Hy is verkies tot burgemeester. In personal contexts, verkies can express preference, such as Ek verkies rooi bo groen, meaning I prefer red to green.

See also: Verkiesing, election; kies, to choose; kiesstelsel, electoral system; voorkeur, preference.