Gedryf

Gedryf is a Dutch term that occurs mainly as an archaic or dialectal form linked to the verb drijven, meaning to drive or propel. In modern standard Dutch, the common past participle and adjective is gedreven, used to describe motion, force, or motivation. Gedryf is therefore primarily encountered in historical texts, regional speech, or quotations that preserve older language forms.

Etymology: Gedryf is formed with the prefix ge- attached to the stem of drijven. Over time, gedreven became the preferred form in standard usage, while gedryf persisted in certain dialects or literary remnants. The semantic core is the idea of being propelled or driven by a force or motive.

Usage: As a standalone adjective or noun, gedryf has limited contemporary use. Most speakers would substitute gedreven when saying someone is driven or when an object is propelled. For propulsion, Dutch typically says het voertuig wordt gedreven door een motor. If quoted from older texts, gedryf may appear to reflect earlier spelling conventions. In modern prose, the recommended practice is to use gedreven for the common meanings and reserve gedryf for historical or dialectal contexts.

See also: drijven, gedreven, Dutch language etymology.