Zutiefst

Zutiefst is a Dutch adverb used to intensify a feeling, action, or judgment, meaning essentially “to the deepest extent,” “deeply,” or “most sincerely.” It functions as a formal or literary intensifier and is commonly found in written language or solemn speech.

In usage, zutiefst expresses a strong emotional or evaluative stance. It often precedes adjectives or participles and is paired with verbs or predicates to convey a high degree of feeling or commitment. Common collocations include gratitude, regret, or disappointment. Examples:Ik ben u zutiefst dankbaar. Wij betreuren zutiefst dit voorval. Zij voelde zich zutiefst teleurgesteld. In practice, zutiefst carries more emotional weight than gewone intensifiers like zeer or erg and can sound archaic or very formal in casual conversation.

Etymology and form are linked to the superlative of diep (deep) combined with an intensifying prefix. In Dutch, the exact historical development is not always explicit in lay dictionaries, but zutiefst is typically treated as a fixed, intensifying adverb that remains unchanged when modifying adjectives or participles (e.g., zutiefst dankbaar, zutiefst betroffen).

Related terms include diept, diepst as a comparative or superlative reference, and synonyms such as zeer, uitermate, or uiterst, which vary in strength and formality. Zutiefst is best understood as a formal, emphatic option for expressing heartfelt sincerity or profound emotion in written Dutch.