Versteld

Versteld is a Dutch adjective meaning astonished or surprised. It is most often used in the phrase versteld staan to describe a person who is taken aback by something: Ik sta versteld van zijn snelle werk. The expression can convey a strong degree of surprise, sometimes bordering on disbelief. The related verb phrase iemand versteld doen staan means to astonish someone, often with a surprising achievement or fact.

Etymology: The term derives from the verb phrase versteld staan, with ver- as a prefix that can intensify the state and stellen meaning to place or set. The figurative sense of placing someone in a state of astonishment developed over time. The exact historical derivation is not fully documented in common sources, but the form and usage are well established in modern Dutch.

Usage and nuance: Versteld is typically used in formal or semi-formal Dutch, and can describe a person, a reaction, or a state. It is less common in everyday speech than synonyms such as verbaasd or verbijsterd, though it remains a standard literary and journalistic option. Examples include Ik sta versteld van het resultaat and Zij stond versteld toen ze het nieuws hoorde.

See also: Verbaasd, Verbijsterd, Verbazen, Versteld staan, Iemand versteld doen staan. These related terms cover degrees of surprise from mild astonishment to deep incredulity and are commonly used in similar contexts.