waardig

Waardig is a Dutch adjective meaning "worthy" or "dignified." It describes someone or something that deserves respect or recognition, or that is appropriate in a given context. The opposite is onwaardig, meaning undignified or unworthy. The related noun waardigheid expresses dignity or worth, and the verb waarderen means to value or appreciate.

Etymology: waardig comes from waard- meaning value or worth, related to waarde (value) in Dutch and cognate with German würdig. The form is typical of West Germanic languages, with related terms in older Dutch as well.

Usage: In modern Dutch, waardig occurs in formal and informal speech, including literature, journalism, and law. It often denotes moral worth or social standing, rather than mere quality. It appears in phrases such as de waardigheid bewaren (to preserve one's dignity) or een waardig voorbeeld (a worthy example).

Translations and related forms: In English, waardig is usually translated as worthy or dignified. Cognates exist in other Germanic languages, notably German würdig, and the Dutch form is mirrored in related terms like waardigheid and waarderen.