algemeene

Algemeene is a historical form of the Dutch adjective meaning general, universal, or common. In modern Dutch the corresponding spelling is algemene. The variant algemeene appears primarily in older texts and in contexts where archaic orthography is preserved.

Etymology and spelling: Algemeene derives from Middle Dutch algemeene, built from al (all) and gemeen (common, public). The double-e spelling reflects older phonological and orthographic conventions. Over time, the standard modern form shifted to algemene, while algemeene remains visible mainly in historical or literary usage.

Historical usage: The form was commonly used before nouns to indicate broad scope or general applicability, for example in legal, ecclesiastical, or scholarly writing. It also appeared in titles and fixed expressions such as Algemeene vergadering or Algemeene synode. In such contexts, the sense is close to the English “general” or “generalized.” In contemporary Dutch, these phrases are typically rendered with algemene, though some older texts and certain institutional names preserve the historic spelling.

Modern status: Today algemeene is largely confined to historical documents, philological studies, or literature and is considered archaic. The standard spelling in everyday and official use is algemene. When encountered in translated or preserved archival material, algemeene may help signal the historical period and orthographic conventions of the source.

See also: algemene, algemeene vs algemene, Dutch orthography, historical Dutch.