Verwoorde

Verwoorde is a form of the Dutch verb verwoorden, which means to phrase, articulate, or express something in words. It is used when someone has expressed thoughts, opinions, or statements clearly in speech or writing. The concept centers on turning thoughts into spoken or written language in a precise or explicit way.

Etymology and form: Verwoorden is built from the noun woord (word) with the prefix ver- and the infinitive ending -en. The word verwoord is the past participle, while verwoorden covers the present tense. The simple past forms are verwoordde (singular) and verwoordden (plural). A common related construction is the perfect tense with hebben, as in hij heeft verwoord.

Usage: Verwoorden is widely used in journalism, academia, politics, and everyday discourse to describe the act of putting ideas into words. It can imply clarity, precision, or careful articulation. For example: “Zij verwoorden haar standpunt in het rapport,” meaning she expresses her position in the report in explicit terms.

Connotation and nuance: The term often carries a formal or deliberate tone, suggesting an effort to make abstract thoughts concrete. It contrasts with less precise phrases such as “zeggen wat je denkt” and is common in contexts where exact wording matters, such as policy documents, speeches, or scholarly analysis.

See also: formuleren, uitdrukken, articuleren. Verwoorden is one of several ways Dutch speakers describe turning internal thoughts into communicated language, alongside synonyms that emphasize style, precision, or expression.