wereld

Wereld is a Dutch noun meaning “world,” “earth,” or “cosmos.” It can refer to the planet as a whole, the totality of human society, or a particular domain or sphere of activity. In everyday language, wereld is used in expressions like “de wereld” (the world) or “in de wereld van de muziek” (in the world of music). The word also appears in fixed phrases such as “wereldwijd” (worldwide), “wereldkampioen” (world champion), and “wereldbeeld” (worldview).

Etymology: The Dutch woord is cognate with related Germanic terms in other languages; it is related to the English “world” and the German “Welt.” It originates from Proto-Germanic roots and has been a part of Dutch since the Old Dutch period. It forms many compounds in modern Dutch, often conveying scope, scale, or significance.

Meaning and nuance: “Wereld” can refer to the Earth as the inhabited world, to society, or to the realm in which something operates (for example, the business world or the world of science). The term can contrast with “aarde,” which more strictly denotes the physical planet; “wereld” frequently carries abstract, social, or global connotations.

Usage and culture: The word features prominently in compound nouns and expressions that indicate global reach or worldview, such as wereldwijd, wereldburger, and wereldtentoonstelling. It is also used in phrases that designate a social or cultural sphere, for example “de wereld” as a large, unspecified audience.