afgelaten

Afgelaten is a Dutch word that can be translated into English in several ways depending on the context. Most commonly, it refers to something that has been canceled or called off. This can apply to events, plans, or even appointments. For example, if a football match is called off due to bad weather, one might say "de wedstrijd is afgelaten."

Beyond cancellation, afgelaten can also signify something that has been finished or completed. In this sense, it implies an ending or a conclusion. For instance, if a task is done, it could be described as "het werk is afgelaten." This usage is less frequent than the cancellation meaning.

Another, more idiomatic, usage of afgelaten relates to a sense of relief or something that has been let go. If someone has been worried about something and it is resolved, they might express relief by saying "dat is van mijn hart afgelaten," meaning it has been lifted from their shoulders. This conveys a feeling of burdens being removed. The word's versatility makes understanding its specific meaning crucial for accurate comprehension of Dutch conversations.