meestelijk

Meestelijk is a Dutch adjective meaning majestic, regal, or princely. It describes qualities, appearances, or contexts that are noble, grand, or stately. In contemporary usage the term is relatively uncommon and often carries an elevated, sometimes archaic or literary tone. It can appear in historical or poetic prose to evoke grandeur, or in translation of classical or religious texts where a grand or ceremonial quality is emphasized.

Etymology and usage context: Meestelijk derives from meest, the superlative form of veel (most), combined with the suffix -lijk, which creates adjectives meaning “like” or “pertaining to.” The word thus conveys the sense of being most like a ruler in dignity or splendor. Over time the sense has come to resemble other terms for grandeur, such as majestueus or koninklijk, but meestelijk retains a more old-fashioned or solemn nuance.

Modern usage and nuance: Because of its ceremonial tone, mosteijklijk or meestelijke phrasing is typically found in literary, heraldic, or historical contexts. It may appear in descriptions of palaces, state occasions, or noble conduct to convey a timeless, awe-inspiring aura. In everyday language Dutch speakers generally prefer more contemporary terms like majestueus or koninklijk when describing real-world objects or events.

See also: Majesteit, Majestueus, Koninklijk, Koninkrijk, Dutch heraldry, Dutch literature.