voorspoed

Voorspoed is a Dutch noun meaning prosperity or good fortune. It denotes favorable circumstances that enable success or well-being for individuals, families, communities, or states. The term is relatively formal or literary in modern Dutch and is common in historical, religious, or ceremonial language where it can imply a blessing or auspicious outcome.

Etymology and history: The word has Dutch origins and appears in Middle Dutch as voorspoedt or voorspoed. It is linked to the idea of moving forward toward favorable results, with spoed historically associated with speed or urgency, and by extension success. In later usage the sense settled on prosperity and good fortune rather than literal speed. In older texts it is common in proverbs and religious or official discourse.

Usage and context: Voorspoed is often found in proverbs, mottos, or prayerful language. It is commonly paired with related concepts such as welvaart (welfare or prosperity) or voorspoedig (prosperous, favorable), as in expressions like met voorspoed en welvaart. In contemporary everyday Dutch, speakers often prefer welvaart; voorspoed is still recognized and is used for stylistic effect or historical discussion.

Example and connotations: A phrase such as "een voorspoedig jaar" translates as "a prosperous year," and the adverbial form "met voorspoed" means "with prosperity" or "with good fortune." Related terms include prosperity, well-being, welvaart, and voorspoedige (prosperous).