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gediegen

solid, high-quality, reliable

adjective ge-DEE-gen Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Also means

sound, thorough (of craftsmanship or character)

Usage Note

Gediegen originally described pure, unadulterated metal and now praises solid, well-made things and dependable, down-to-earth people. It carries a connotation of old-fashioned quality and understated excellence.

Examples

"Das Möbelstück war gediegen verarbeitet und hielt Jahrzehnte."

Natural Translation

The piece of furniture was solidly crafted and lasted decades.

Literal Translation

The furniture piece was solidly worked and held decades.

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