driewoudig

Driewoudig is a Dutch adjective that denotes threefoldness, meaning three times as much or consisting of three parts. In modern standard Dutch, the preferred form is usually drievoudig; driewoudig is a less common variant that appears in some texts and contexts.

Etymology and form: the word is built from drie (three) and the suffix -voudig (fold, times). The typical evolution yields drievoudig, but driewoudig has surfaced as an alternative spelling in certain historical or stylistic usages. In prescriptive references, drievoudig is generally recommended over driewoudig.

Usage: driewoudig is used to describe increases, quantities, or achievements that occur three times as large or numerous. Examples include drievoudig toename (threefold increase) and drievoudig kampioen (three-time champion). In many contexts, especially formal or contemporary writing, drievoudig is the preferred form, while driewoudig may be found in older texts or specific proper nouns.

Related terms: drievoudig is part of a family that also includes tweevoudig (twofold) and meervoudig (multiple or several). These forms are used to express multiplicity or repetition in measurements, statistics, and competitive results.

See also: meervoudig; tweevoudig; meervoudigingsvormen in Dutch grammar.