volhardend

Volhardend is a Dutch adjective meaning persistent, tenacious, or unwavering in purpose. It describes people, actions, or processes that involve steady effort and resistance to discouragement. In everyday language it can be used attributively, as in een volhardende student, or predicatively, as in hij blijft volhardend ondanks de tegenwind. The term is common in both formal and informal Dutch and is also used in Flemish Dutch with the same sense.

Etymology and related forms: Volhardend is formed from the verb volharden (to persevere) or volhouden (to keep going) with the -end suffix that yields an adjective. The word conveys a positive judgment of sustained effort, often implying resilience over time. A closely related noun is volharding, which denotes perseverance or tenacity.

Usage and nuance: Volhardend carries a generally favorable tone, highlighting determination and consistency. Depending on context, it can also hint at stubbornness or inflexibility if applied critically. It appears across domains such as education, management, sports, and journalism to describe people, strategies, or outcomes that persist through difficulties. In cross-linguistic contexts, volhardend is typically translated as persistent or tenacious in English.

Summary: As a common Dutch descriptor, volhardend encapsulates the idea of continuing effort in the face of obstacles, balancing admiration for perseverance with awareness of potential rigidity in some contexts.