eenvoudigste

Eenvoudigste is the superlative form of the Dutch adjective eenvoudig, meaning the simplest or easiest. It is used to indicate the lowest level of complexity among alternatives and appears in both spoken and written Dutch.

Form and usage: In Dutch, the standard way to form the superlative is by adding the suffix -ste to the adjective, producing eenvoudigste. It is typically used with a definite noun phrase, for example: de eenvoudigste oplossing (the simplest solution) or de eenvoudigste methode. In predicative position you can say: Deze methode is de eenvoudigste. The form is generally not used with indefinite or plural nouns in the same way as other superlatives.

Etymology: Eenvoudigste derives from eenvoudig (simple) and the superlative suffix -ste. The underlying noun eenvoud means simplicity; the adjectivezoeken evolucion made its way through Middle Dutch and has cognates in related Germanic languages. The construction mirrors how Dutch forms other superlatives of adjectives ending in -ig or -an.

Usage notes: Eenvoudigst or eenvoudigste may appear in different dialects or stylistic contexts, but de eenvoudigste is widely accepted for standard usage. The word conveys straightforwardness and lack of complexity, and it is often contrasted with synonyms such as gemakkelijk (easy) or simpel (simple) to emphasize minimal complexity rather than speed or effort.

See also: eenvoud; eenvoudig; simple; simplicity.