vergaande

Vergaande is a Dutch adjective used to express that something is extensive, far-reaching, or drastic. It is typically placed before a noun in attributive use, as in vergaande maatregelen (drastic measures) or vergaande gevolgen (far-reaching consequences). The term conveys a sense of intensity or breadth that goes beyond ordinary levels and can carry evaluative nuance depending on context, sometimes signaling concern or urgency.

Etymology and form: Vergaande derives from the prefix ver- attached to gaande, the present participle of gaan (to go). In Dutch, gaande denotes ongoing processes or developments, and ver- serves to intensify that sense, yielding a word that describes the degree to which something progresses or is implemented.

Usage and nuance: Vergaande is common in formal and media language, policy discourse, and academic writing. It is typically applied to policies, phenomena, or events rather than to people, emphasizing the magnitude or impact of the subject. It can carry a normative tone by highlighting that the scope or severity surpasses what is considered ordinary.

Comparison with related terms: Vergaande is closely related to other intensity descriptors such as ingrijpend (significant, substantial), drastisch (drastic), and radicaal (radical). While all convey high degree, vergaande emphasizes breadth and reach, often in a systemic or long-term sense.

See also: gaande, maatregelen, gevolgen, beleid.

Notes and references: Dictionaries of Dutch usage typically illustrate vergaande with collocations like vergaande maatregelen or vergaande maatschappelijke gevolgen, underscoring its formal, analytical character.