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Thine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘๏ธ
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thine

[ฮธaษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Pronoun

archaic possessive

Thine is an archaic form of the second person singular possessive adjective 'your.' It was used primarily in Middle English and has largely fallen out of common usage, being replaced by 'your' and 'yours.' Nevertheless, it can still be found in classical literature and poetry to evoke a sense of old-fashioned or poetic language. Its usage can convey intimacy and familiarity in specific contexts.

Synonyms

your, yours.

Examples of usage

  • Thou art a friend of mine, and thine is the heart I cherish.
  • Give me thine answer, so I may move on.
  • In thine eyes, I see the world reflected.
  • This treasure is thine; take it as a sign of my gratitude.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • 'Thine' is frequently used in Shakespeare's plays to convey intimacy and affection.
  • Many classic poems from the Renaissance period feature 'thine' to enhance the rhythm and rhyme.
  • The word is often employed in religious texts, notably the King James Bible, to emphasize reverence.

Pop Culture

  • 'Thine' sometimes appears in fantasy novels and films, adding an archaic charm to dialogue.
  • The use of 'thine' adds an air of authenticity in historical and medieval-themed works.
  • Musicians sometimes incorporate 'thine' in lyrics to evoke a sense of nostalgia or romance.

Psychology

  • Using archaic terms like 'thine' can evoke feelings of nostalgia or romanticism in listeners.
  • Language shapes social interactions; old-fashioned pronouns can create a sense of closeness or formality.
  • Using its form in conversation can impact perception, making the speaker seem more cultured or educated.

Linguistic Evolution

  • 'Thine' represents a phase in English language evolution, shifting from Old English to Modern English.
  • Many languages have similarly formal terms for possession, showcasing linguistic diversity.
  • The decline in use of words like 'thine' reflects broader shifts towards simplicity and clarity in modern communication.

Origin of 'thine'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Thine' comes from the Old English word 'รพฤซn,' meaning 'your' or 'yours'.
  • In Early Middle English, 'thine' replaced 'thy' before words starting with a vowel sound.
  • 'Thine' is a possessive pronoun, which shows ownership, similar to 'mine'.

The word 'thine' traces its origins back to Old English, deriving from 'รพฤซn,' which was a form of the second person possessive pronoun used in early Germanic languages. Initially, 'รพฤซn' evolved into various forms in Middle English, with 'thine' emerging as a distinctive form primarily utilized before a vowel sound or as a means to indicate possession. As the English language transitioned through the periods of Middle and Early Modern English, the usage of 'thine' began to decline, replaced largely by the more universally adopted forms 'your' and 'yours.' The historical context of 'thine' reflects the linguistic evolution of English, showcasing influences from Germanic roots and the gradual simplification of pronouns in contemporary usage. Despite its obsolescence in modern speech, 'thine' continues to be preserved in literature, religious texts, and traditional dialects, often serving as a stylistic choice to evoke the essence of earlier English forms.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,315 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.