verloop

Verloop is a Dutch noun that denotes the progression or course of something over time. It can refer to how a process unfolds, how events develop, or the duration and sequence of changes. The term derives from the prefix ver- and lopen (to run), emphasizing movement through time or stages.

Common contexts include medicine (het verloop van een ziekte), project management (het verloop van een project), and the daily or historical passage (het verloop van de dagen, het verloop van de tijd). In data reporting, men speaks of het verloop van meetwaarden or de verloopgrafiek to describe how measurements change over time. The word is neutral and focuses on progression rather than causes.

Verloop is often contrasted with development terms such as ontwikkeling (overall development or evolution), gang (ongoing sequence), and traject (planned route or path). Verloop highlights the dynamic, narrative aspect of changes; ontwikkeling emphasizes growth or change in nature, while traject emphasizes a defined route or plan.

Verlopen is the related verb meaning to elapse or to expire. As a noun, verloop centers on the process or progression, whereas expiry is expressed with the verb verlopen or with phrases like de termijn is verlopen.