beteken

Betekenen is a Dutch verb meaning to mean, signify, or indicate. It is used to express that a word, symbol, statement, or event conveys a particular sense or significance. In everyday language, one can ask wat betekent dit woord? or Dit teken betekent ja, illustrating how the verb connects form with meaning. The concept is closely tied to interpretation and sense, rather than mere physical signification.

Etymology and form: Betekenen is formed with the prefix be- attached to teken, meaning sign or mark. The sense evolved from “to make a sign” or “to indicate” to the broader notion of conveying meaning. The infinitive is betekenen; the present tense forms vary (for example, hij betekent, wij betekenen). The past participle is betekend.

Usage and scope: Betekenen is commonly used in linguistics, literature, education, and everyday discussion about language and symbols. It governs both the meaning of words (Wat betekent dit woord?) and the significance of signs or acts (Dit symbool betekent vrede). The noun betekenis, meaning or significance, is closely related and often used to name the content that "betekent" something. In addition to mean, betekenn is used in contexts such as to imply or to indicate, though these nuances can depend on context and synonyms like duiden or aangeven.

See also: betekenis, which denotes meaning or significance; duiden, to interpret or explain; aangeven, to indicate or point out. In philosophy of language and semantics, beteken is discussed in relation to sense, reference, and communicative intention.