gewilde

Gewilde is a Dutch attributive adjective formed from the past participle gewild of the verb willen (to want). Used before a noun, gewilde conveys that the noun is desired, sought-after, or in high demand. The form is typically found in definite noun phrases, where adjectives appearing after a definite article or possessive can take an -e ending, as in de gewilde kandidaat or het gewilde product.

Etymology and form: Gewilde derives from the prefix ge- attached to the past participle gewild. In modern Dutch, the sense of gewild aligns with “wanted” or “desired.” It is related to, but distinct from, gewenst, which is another common way to express desirability or a wish that has been fulfilled.

Usage: Gewilde is relatively formal or literary and can appear in journalism, marketing, or literary prose to emphasize desirability or prestige. In everyday speech, speakers more often express the same idea with synonyms such as gewenst (desired) or gezochte (sought-after), depending on nuance. Gewilde tends to carry a stronger connotation of demand or popularity.

Examples: De gewilde kandidaat werd door meerdere bedrijven benaderd. Het gewilde product verkocht snel. In many contexts, however, de gewenste oplossing or het gewenste resultaat is preferred.

See also: willen, gewild, gewenst, gezochte.

Notes: As a past participle-based attributive adjective, gewilde interacts with Dutch agreement rules for adjectives in definite noun phrases. Its use is correct but somewhat style-dependent, and more everyday contexts may favor gewenst for clarity.