meebewegen

Meebewegen is a Dutch verb meaning to move along with someone or something, either literally or figuratively. The construction combines the verb bewegen (to move) with the prefix mee-, which conveys participation, alignment, or accompaniment. In literal use, meebewegen describes moving in tandem with others or with a reference pace or rhythm. In figurative use, it denotes adapting to developments, trends, or changing circumstances and keeping pace with them.

In everyday language, meebewegen appears in contexts such as organizations, communities, and public discourse. Examples include a company that must meebewegen met de markt (move in step with the market) or policymakers who need to meebewegen met maatschappelijke ontwikkelingen. The expression is common in business, politics, education, and social discourse, where it signals willingness to adjust plans, strategies, or approaches rather than resisting change. It can be used positively to emphasize responsiveness, but it may also imply compromise or the need to align interests with others.

Nuances and related terms: meebewegen is closely related to meegaan (to go along), zich aanpassen (to adapt), and in pas blijven lopen (to stay in step). It often conveys active participation and alignment rather than passive acceptance. Grammatically, the prefix mee- is typical of separable Dutch verbs; in some tenses the prefix can be placed before or after the subject, similar to other verbs with mee-.

See also: meegaan, aanpassen, in de pas lopen, in beweging blijven.