Quoth: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• It originates from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'cwoth', meaning 'said'.
• The term started to gain popularity in the 14th century for quoting someone’s words, especially in writing.
• It has historical usage, often seen in older texts and is now considered somewhat archaic.

Literature

• One famous use of 'quoth' is in Edgar Allan Poe's poem 'The Raven', enhancing the dramatic tone.
• The term often appears in classic literature to give a poetic or formal flair to dialogue.
• It evokes a nostalgic feel for readers familiar with Victorian and earlier writing styles.

Pop Culture

• Though rarely used in spoken language today, it has appeared in films and shows that seek to emulate classic literature.
• Writers and poets still occasionally use 'quoth' to give their work a timeless quality or to invoke historical dialogue.
• Some modern fantasy works use 'quoth' to create a whimsical or archaic voice for characters.

Psychology

• Language evolution reflects how society adapts, and words like 'quoth' can signal the era's tone and style.
• The use of archaic terms can evoke nostalgia and create a certain emotional response in readers.
• How people quote others can influence social bonds and cultural norms, showing the power of spoken words.

With rank #17,857, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 17854 outing
• 17855 crucifixion
• 17856 dextrose
• 17857 quoth
• 17858 eulogy
• 17859 gallbladder
• 17860 banging
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