versier

Versier is a Dutch verb meaning to decorate or embellish, and it is the basis for the related noun versiering, which denotes decorations or ornamentation. The standard infinitive is versieren; versier is the present-tense stem used in forms such as ik versier, jij versiert, hij versiert, and is also seen in the imperative versier.

The past tense is versierde and the past participle is versierd. Common related terms include versiering (decorations), decoratie (decor), and decoreren (to decorate), with occasional overlap in meaning depending on context.

Usage and contexts

Versieren is used for both literal decoration of objects, spaces, clothing, or events and for metaphorical embellishment, such as decorative language or styling. For example, De zaal werd feestelijk versierd met slingers en ballonnen. Ze versierde haar kamer met schilderijen. In a social context, versieren can mean to charm or win over someone, typically in informal speech: Hij probeerde haar te versieren.

Etymology and related languages

The verb versieren is derived from the noun versiering (decoration) and shares cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German versieren. The English equivalent is decorate, and in many contexts there is overlap with the Dutch werkwoord decoreren.

See also

Versiering, Decoratie, Decoreren, Verfraaien.

Notes

While versieren primarily means to decorate, the figurative use meaning to flirt with someone is common in colloquial Dutch and varies by region and formality.