Talk:wortel

Wortels or wortelen

There are currently two entries for the noun: first one for the culinary sense, and then one for the botanical and mathematical senses. Presumably, this is motivated by the idea that the plural wortelen is only used for the culinary sense. But this is not true: [1], [2], [3]. This figurative use of the botanical sense is currently not represented. The plural wortelen is arguably rare in this sense, but I have the impression that it is relatively rare in most senses, and particularly the mathematical ones: "wortels van de vergelijking": about 5,780 results; "wortelen van de vergelijking": 6 results. Is it not better to merge the two Noun sections and delegate the issue of the plural forms to a Usage notes section? Am I correct in my assessment that the form wortelen tends to be somewhat old-fashioned or formal, like broederen and vaderen? Another question: are there regional usage differences? @Lingo Bingo Dingo, Mnemosientje, Morgengave, Thadh.  --Lambiam 11:23, 18 February 2022 (UTC)

In my experience, "wortelen" in any sense is relatively rare, but not dated. It's definitely marked/nonstandard to use it for the senses other than the fruit, and I think even when referring to the fruit, one speaker can use both plurals interchangeably (at least, from what I've seen).

I guess a usage note may be a good idea, but I don't know about merging the two entries, considering the use of the second plural is very marginal when speaking of roots. Thadh (talk) 11:37, 18 February 2022 (UTC)