blindelings

Blindelings is a Dutch adverb that denotes performing an action without seeking verification, awareness, or critical scrutiny. It translates to “blindly” or “without looking” in English and is used to describe actions taken without careful examination or regard for potential consequences.

The term is commonly used with verbs related to perception, judgment, or trust. Typical constructions include blindelings volgen (to follow blindly), blindelings vertrouwen (to trust blindly), and blindelings handelen (to act blindly). It can imply a lack of due diligence, skepticism, or independent assessment, and may carry a negative or cautionary nuance depending on context. For example: “Ze volgden de instructies blindelings” or “Hij besloot blindelings op iedereen te vertrouwen.”

In usage, blindelings often emphasizes voluntariness or inevitability—someone acts without question or without considering alternatives. It can appear in journalism, opinion writing, and literary contexts to critique uncritical conformity or unexamined beliefs. The expression is versatile and can describe collective behavior as well as individual choices.

Etymologically, blindelings combines blind with a suffix-like element that forms an adverb meaning “in a manner related to being blind.” It is not a neutral term for a technical concept; rather, it conveys a specific perceptual or cognitive stance, suggesting that perception or judgment is suspended.

See also: blindly, trust, skepticism, critical thinking.