beschouw

Beschouw is a Dutch verb form and the stem of the verb beschouwen, meaning to regard, consider, view, or contemplate. It refers to the act of examining something closely and taking it into account before forming a judgment or decision. In usage it can indicate both careful observation and thoughtful consideration.

Etymology and related forms: Beschouw derives from Middle Dutch and is related to the modern Dutch verb beschouwen. It shares cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German beschauen. The noun form is beschouwing, which denotes contemplation or consideration as a concept.

Conjugation and usage: In the present tense, the forms are ik beschouw, jij beschouwt, hij/zij beschouwt, wij beschouwen, jullie beschouwen, zij beschouwen. The imperative singular is often rendered as Beschouw Dit, encouraging someone to contemplate or examine something. The past tense is beschouwde, and the present perfect is heeft beschouwd. The word is commonly used in formal, philosophical, legal, or literary contexts, as well as in everyday speech when stressing careful examination.

Meaning and nuance: Beschouwen emphasizes attentiveness and a thorough appraisal, as opposed to quick or impulsive judgment. It is related to, but distinct from, overwegen (to weigh options) and overdenken (to reflect). The noun beschouwing captures the act or result of contemplation.

See also: beschouwing, beschouwer, beschouwelijk, beschouwen.