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Dost: meaning, definitions and examples

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dost

 

[ dʌst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

obsolete term

The term 'dost' is an archaic second person singular form of 'do', used in English literature, particularly in poetry and historical texts. It comes from Middle English and has largely fallen out of use since the 17th century. Today, it may be found in works that aim to emulate older language styles. It typically appears in phrases or questions, reflecting an older form of speech.

Synonyms

do, perform

Examples of usage

  • Dost thou love me?
  • What dost thou say?
  • Where dost thou go?

Etymology

The word 'dost' originated from Old English 'dōst', which is the second person singular present tense of 'dōn', meaning 'to do'. This form of the verb was commonly used in Middle English and has roots in Germanic languages, showing close relations to similar constructions in other Germanic dialects. However, as English evolved and became more standardized, especially during the Great Vowel Shift and the Renaissance, 'dost' fell out of everyday use. Its usage has been preserved mainly in literature, particularly in works by famous playwrights like William Shakespeare, where it serves to convey a sense of antiquity, formality, or poetic rhythm. Today, 'dost' is often utilized in modern works that aim to evoke an older linguistic style or in recreations of historical dialogue.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,574, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.