geleenthede

Geleenthede is een Dutch noun in the plural form, meaning opportunities or occasions. It refers to favorable circumstances that allow someone to act, participate, or benefit, and can describe both practical chances (such as a job opportunity) and social moments (such as an event or meeting). The word is commonly used in everyday speech as well as in journalism and business contexts.

Etymology and sense: gele­genheid derives from gelegen, the past participle of liggen and related to being situated or convenient, with the suffix -heid forming a noun meaning a state or condition. Historically the term conveyed the notion of a suitable or advantageous time or place to do something, and this sense remains central in contemporary Dutch.

Usage and nuance: Gelegenheden emphasize the suitability of the moment or setting, rather than just the probabilistic aspect of a chance. They often carry a social or practical connotation, such as an invitation or occasion to act. Common phrases include bij gelegenheid (on occasions; when the opportunity arises), de gelegenheid aangrijpen (to seize the opportunity), and gebruik maken van de gelegenheid (to take advantage of the opportunity).

Distinctions: Gelegenheid is subtler than kans (chance) and mogelijkheid (possibility). Kans focuses on likelihood, while mogelijkheid covers general possibility. Gelegenheid foregrounds the right moment or context to perform an action.

Examples: De opening van de winkel biedt nieuwe gelegenheden voor kleine bedrijven. Tijdens de conferentie is er gelegenheid voor netwerken. Hij greep de gelegenheid om zijn mening te uiten.

See also: gelegenheid, bij gelegenheid, de gelegenheid aangrijpen, kans, mogelijkheid.