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neef. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
neef, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
neef in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
neef you have here. The definition of the word
neef will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
neef, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Afrikaans
Etymology
From Dutch neef, from Middle Dutch nēve, from Old Dutch *nefo, nevo, from Proto-West Germanic *nefō, from Proto-Germanic *nefô, from Proto-Indo-European *népōts.
Pronunciation
Noun
neef (plural neefs)
- nephew
- (male) cousin
Dutch
Etymology
From Middle Dutch nēve, from Old Dutch *nefo, nevo, from Proto-West Germanic *nefō, from Proto-Germanic *nefô, from Proto-Indo-European *népōts. Doublet of niffo.
Pronunciation
Noun
neef m (plural neven, diminutive neefje n)
- male cousin
- Mijn neef woont in België en we bezoeken hem elk jaar. ― My male cousin lives in Belgium and we visit him every year.
- Tijdens familiereünies zie ik al mijn neven. ― During family reunions, I see all my male cousins.
- nephew
- Ik kocht een cadeau voor mijn neefje zijn verjaardag. ― I bought a gift for my nephew's birthday.
- Mijn zus heeft twee zoons, dus ik heb twee neven. ― My sister has two sons, so I have two nephews.
Derived terms
Descendants
West Frisian
Etymology
Borrowed from Dutch neef.
Noun
neef c (plural neven, diminutive neefke)
- male cousin
- Coordinate term: nicht
- mosquito
Further reading
- “neef”, in Wurdboek fan de Fryske taal (in Dutch), 2011