Spake: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฃ๏ธ
spake
[ speษชk ]
past tense
Spake is an archaic term that serves as the past tense of the verb 'speak.' It is used predominantly in literary contexts to evoke a sense of antiquity or formality. Though not commonly used in contemporary English, it can be found in classical literature and poetry.
Synonyms
articulated, expressed, spoke.
Examples of usage
- He spake of times long past.
- In the tales of old, she spake wisely.
- They spake to the gathered crowd with passion.
Translations
Translations of the word "spake" in other languages:
๐ต๐น falou
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเฅเคฒเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช sprach
๐ฎ๐ฉ berbicara
๐บ๐ฆ ัะบะฐะทะฐะฒ
๐ต๐ฑ mรณwiล
๐ฏ๐ต ่ฉฑใใ
๐ซ๐ท parla
๐ช๐ธ hablรณ
๐น๐ท konuลtu
๐ฐ๐ท ๋งํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุญุฏุซ
๐จ๐ฟ mluvil
๐ธ๐ฐ hovoril
๐จ๐ณ ่ฏด
๐ธ๐ฎ govoril
๐ฎ๐ธ talaรฐi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัำฉะนะปะตะณะตะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแฅแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ danฤฑลdฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ hablรณ
Etymology
The word 'spake' is derived from Middle English 'spaken' and Old English 'specan,' which means 'to speak.' It has its roots in Germanic languages, reflecting the evolution of the English language over centuries. The form 'spake' was more commonly used in earlier English literature but has fallen out of regular use in modern English. Its historical significance lies in its representation of the earlier grammatical structure of English, where strong verbs like 'speak' underwent vowel changes to indicate past tense. As the English language evolved, many of these strong verbs adopted simpler regular forms, leading to the predominance of 'spoke' in contemporary usage. Thus, 'spake' serves as a linguistic artifact, showcasing the richness and variety of English's verbal history.