behoorlijk

Behoorlijk is a Dutch word that functions as both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective it means "adequate, proper, decent" and is used to describe nouns: for example, een behoorlijke hoeveelheid (a considerable amount) or een behoorlijke vent (a decent guy). When used before a noun, the form is typically beh oorlijke (with an -e). As an adverb it means "quite, fairly, considerably," and it can modify adjectives, adverbs, or verbs: Het is behoorlijk koud vandaag (It is quite cold today), Ze loopt behoorlijk snel (She runs fairly fast).

Behoorlijk often forms compound adjective phrases with nouns, producing phrases such as behoorlijke kosten, behoorlijke inspanning, and behoorlijke afstanden. The degree it expresses can range from mild to strong, depending on context. In descriptive statements it carries a neutral or mildly positive tone, while in combination with negative or costly adjectives it can emphasize seriousness or magnitude.

Etymology and related terms: the word is built with the prefix be- attached to an older form such as hoorlijk, indicating something fitting or proper. In modern usage, it is common in both the Netherlands and Belgian Dutch. Synonyms include redelijk, degelijk, and fatsoenlijk, while antonyms include onbehoorlijk (improper) and onredelijk (unreasonable). The term is versatile across informal and semi-formal registers, though in very formal writing writers may prefer alternatives like redelijk or appropriate synonyms depending on the nuance intended.