verkiest

Verkiest is a Dutch verb form that appears in the present tense of the verb verkiezen, meaning to prefer or to elect. It is used for third-person singular (hij verkiest, zij verkiest) and for the informal second-person singular (jij verkiest). The formal you form is u verkiest. The infinitive is verkiezen and the past participle is verkozen.

Etymology and form: Verkiezen is built from the verb kiezen (to choose) with the prefix ver-, which adds nuance related to deciding between options or selecting someone for a position. The present tense forms follow a pattern related to the root kies, yielding verkies in the first person and verkiest for most second- and third-person forms. The word is used in both everyday language and more formal or specialized contexts.

Usage and meaning: Verkiest primarily conveys two senses. As a general verb, it means to prefer one thing over another, often with a sense of clear preference: "Zij verkiest koffie boven thee." As a political or formal verb, it means to elect someone to a position or office: "De partij verkiest haar tot burgemeester." In such electoral contexts, verkozen is the past participle, as in "zij werd verkozen." Verkiezen is more formal or literary than gewoon kies—where kies is often used for everyday choosing or voting.

See also: Kies (to choose), Verkiezingen (elections), Verkozen (elect, past participle).