Éénvoudige

Éénvoudige is a Dutch adjective meaning single, onefold, or simple. It is used to describe something that consists of a single element or that is uncomplicated in character. The term can apply to objects, concepts, or processes, and it often appears in contrast to meervoudig or veelvoudig, which denote multiple or manifold forms. In theology or philosophy, éénvoudig can emphasize a unitary or indivisible quality, for example in phrases such as éénvoudige God to denote monotheism, though this usage is more common in formal or religious writing.

Etymology and form: Éénvoudig is formed from the words één (one) and voeged or faud?ving? The essence is “one” plus the sense of being folded into a single unit. The attributive form before a definite noun typically appears as éénvoudige, for instance de éénvoudige oplossing, while the base form éénvoudig is used in the indefinite or predicative position. Dutch adjectives generally take an -e ending when a definite article (de/het) or a demonstrative is present, hence éénvoudige in many formal contexts.

Usage and nuance: The term is most common in formal, technical, or literary Dutch. It can convey a sense of straightforwardness or lack of multiplicity that simple synonyms like eenvoudig or simpel may not fully capture. It is less common in everyday speech, where one might opt for eenvoudiger, eenvoudig, of enkelvoudig depending on the precise nuance. Synonyms include eenvoudig (simple) and enkelvoudig (single, single-valued), with éénvoudig sometimes carrying a stronger emphasis on unity or singularity.

See also: eenvoudig, enkelvoudig, meervoudig, veelvoudig.