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Prithee: meaning, definitions and examples

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prithee

 

[ หˆprษชฮธi ]

Interjection
Context #1 | Interjection

old usage

The word 'prithee' is an archaic expression of please, often used to make a polite request. It is derived from the phrase 'pray thee', where 'pray' means to ask or request earnestly. This term was predominantly used during the late Renaissance and early modern periods in English literature. Its usage has since declined, but it can be found in works by notable authors such as Shakespeare. Despite its rarity today, 'prithee' carries a charm that reflects a more formal and courteous style of speaking.

Synonyms

I ask you, I beg, I pray, please.

Examples of usage

  • Prithee, tell me the truth.
  • I prithee, grant me this favor.
  • Prithee, do not leave me alone.
  • Prithee, could you assist me?
  • But prithee, how can this be?

Translations

Translations of the word "prithee" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น por favor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅƒเคชเคฏเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช bitte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tolong

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑัƒะดัŒ ะปะฐัะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ proszฤ™

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠ้ก˜ใ„ใ—ใพใ™ (onegai shimasu)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท s'il vous plaรฎt

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ por favor

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท lรผtfen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ œ๋ฐœ (jebal)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู† ูุถู„ูƒ (min fadlik)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prosรญm

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prosรญm

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฏท (qวng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prosim

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vinsamlegast

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉั‚ั–ะฝะตะผั–ะฝ (รถtiรฑemin)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ—แƒฎแƒแƒ•แƒ— (gk'txovt)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zษ™hmษ™t olmasa

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ por favor

Etymology

The term 'prithee' originates from the Middle English phrase 'praye thee', which combines 'pray' and 'thee', a familiar form of the second person singular pronoun. The verb 'pray' in this context is not merely a religious invocation, but rather signifies an earnest request or plea. Over time, its usage transitioned into the more condensed 'prithee'. The popularity of 'prithee' peaked in the 16th and 17th centuries, a period rich in the development of the English language through literature and theater. Famous playwrights, notably William Shakespeare, employed this term in their works, helping to cement its place in early modern English. As English evolved and became more simplified, 'prithee' started to fall out of common usage, leaving behind a legacy that is now mostly appreciated in historical and literary contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,579 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.