vervaagde

Vervaagde is a Dutch adjective meaning blurred, hazy, or indistinct. It is used to describe things that have lost sharpness or clarity, either visually or metaphorically. In visual contexts, it can describe edges and contours that are no longer clearly defined: bijvoorbeeld “vervaagde contouren van de bergen” or “vervaagde verlichting.” In figurative use, it modifies memories, traces, or descriptions: “vervaagde herinneringen” (faded memories) of “vervaagde getuigenissen” (indistinct testimonies).

Etymology and form: the word is derived from vaag, meaning vague or unclear, with the prefix ver- indicating a change of state. Vervaagde functions as an adjective and can appear attributively before a noun (vervaagde schaduwen) or predicatively within a sentence (de scène werd vervaagd). The form is common in standard Dutch and is used across registers, though more frequently in literary and journalistic contexts than in highly technical writing.

Usage and nuance: vervaagde carries a sense of gradual loss of clarity or definition, often implying movement from sharp to hazy rather than a sudden absence of detail. It can describe physical perception (vision, light, outlines) as well as memories, descriptions, or evidence. Related terms include vaag (vague), wazig (fuzzy or blurred), and onduidelijk (unclear); the related verb vervagen means to fade away or become less distinct. Examples: “een vervaagde foto,” “vervaagde herinneringen.”