verbreden

Verbreden is a Dutch verb meaning to widen, broaden, or expand in scope, extent, or variety. It can refer to physical widening, such as a road or doorway, as well as to non-physical expansion, such as knowledge, horizons, markets, or public debate. The core sense is adding breadth or removing limitations.

Etymology: The word is formed from breed, meaning wide, with the prefix ver-, which in Dutch often conveys making or changing something. The result is to make something wider or more expansive.

Usage: Verbreden appears in policy, education, urban planning, business, and cultural discourse. It is used when describing intentional efforts to extend reach or inclusivity, not merely to increase quantity. Common collocations include verbreden van het bereik, het horizon verbreden, or het curriculum verbreden. The term contrasts with verbs like uitbreiden (to extend, enlarge) or verruimen (to widen in a more abstract sense) and with vernauwen (to narrow).

Examples: De rivier werd verbreed om de scheepvaart te verbeteren. Het onderwijsprogramma is ontworpen om de leerdoelen te verbreden. Door samenwerking kon het bedrijfsnetwerk verder verbreden.

See also: uitbreiden, verruimen, vergroten, vernauwen.