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Sallied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sallied

[ˈsæli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

military action

To sally is to rush forth, especially from a military position. It often refers to a sudden charge or an attack made by troops against an enemy. The term can also imply a bold or daring effort in a situation.

Synonyms

advance, charge, rush, sortie.

Examples of usage

  • The troops sallied out to confront the advancing enemy.
  • After a long siege, the castle’s defenders made a desperate sally.
  • The knights sallied forth to reclaim their honor in battle.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative use

In a figurative sense, to sally can also mean to set out on a journey or venture with enthusiasm. It evokes the image of embarking on an adventure or engaging in an outburst of wit or humor.

Synonyms

burst, embarked, exclaimed, ventured.

Examples of usage

  • They sallied forth into the world of literature with their new book.
  • She sallied into a spirited debate about the merits of the policy.
  • The children sallied into the field, excited for their day of fun.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous authors like John Milton and William Shakespeare employed the term to describe spirited actions.
  • In Shakespeare’s works, characters often 'sallied forth' into adventures or confrontations, emphasizing bravery.
  • The term evokes imagery of romantic or heroic journeys in classic literature.

Military History

  • Used to refer to a strategic military maneuver where troops suddenly emerge from a defensive position.
  • The concept of a 'sally' has been pivotal in historical sieges where defenders counter-attacked the besiegers.
  • The word reflects the urgency and bravery often associated with gallant military actions.

Pop Culture

  • The word has appeared in various movies and games where characters embark on quests or missions.
  • In popular narratives, such as fantasy novels, heroes 'sally forth' to confront challenges, making it a staple expression.
  • Animated series often use 'sallied' humorously when characters embark on silly, spontaneous adventures.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'sallying forth' can be related to exploratory behavior in humans, reflecting a desire for novelty.
  • Engaging in spontaneous outings can enhance emotional well-being by introducing excitement and reducing stress.
  • The courage to 'sally forth' represents a positive coping strategy in facing life's challenges.

Origin of 'sallied'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old French word 'sali', meaning to leap or jump.
  • Historically, it was used to describe soldiers making a sudden charge or fighting.
  • The word also has roots in Latin, with 'saliens' meaning ‘jumping’ or ‘leaping’.

The word 'sally' comes from the Old French 'sallie', which means 'a leap' or 'a sudden move'. Its etymology can be traced further back to the Latin 'salire', meaning 'to leap or jump'. Historically, the term became popular in military contexts where a sally signifies a sudden offensive movement from a fortified position. In literature and everyday speech, it has taken on a more figurative meaning, where it can describe a spirited adventure or a clever remark. It reflects the notion of spontaneity and boldness, which resonates in various aspects of human expression—from battles to everyday conversations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,777, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.