eigenlijke

Eigenlijke is a Dutch adjective used to express real, actual, or true nature, often in the sense of the essential or intended matter behind appearances. It is frequently paired with the adverbial use of eigenlijke meaning actually, really, or in fact, signaling emphasis or correction. In everyday language, it helps distinguish what is superficial from what is real, as in de eigenlijke oorzaak (the real/actual cause) or dat is de eigenlijke bedoeling (that is the actual intention). The word commonly appears in both formal and informal contexts.

Etymology and forms: Eigenlijke is formed from eigen, meaning “own,” with the attributive suffix -lijk, producing an adjective that marks inherent or true quality. Historically, spellings such as eigenlijck appeared in older Dutch. The base adverbial form eigenlijk developed from the same root and is used independently of noun usage.

Grammar and usage notes: As an attributive adjective before a noun, eigenlijke takes -e in standard Dutch when used with definite articles: de eigenlijke reden, het eigenlijke doel. The plural form is de eigenlijke redenen. In predicative position or when used as an adverb, the form remains eigenlijk: Dat is eigenlijk waar. The term can carry nuance and contrasts with synonyms like werkelijk (truly), feitelijk (factually), or in feite (in fact).

In mathematics and specialized discourse: eigenlijke is not a standard technical term for mathematical concepts. Real numbers are usually referred to as reële getallen in Dutch; eigenlijke is ordinarily restricted to everyday or literary language, where it conveys authenticity or essential character rather than a formal mathematical category.

Related concepts include eigenheid (authenticity, genuineness) and eigenlijkheid (actuality, reality).