Thou Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
thou
[รฐaส ]
Definition
old English
You, used when addressing one person or more archaically, except for the subject pronoun and the object pronoun, one instance of this pronoun.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thou |
Used primarily in archaic or poetic contexts to address one person in an intimate or familiar manner. Today, it is mostly encountered in classic literature, religious texts, or historical re-enactments.
|
| you |
The modern, all-purpose form of address used for both singular and plural. This is the default form and is used in everyday speech, writing, and formal contexts.
|
| thee |
Archaic form of 'you' used when referring directly to one person in an intimate or informal way. Often seen in classic literature, poetry, and historical contexts.
|
| thy |
An archaic way to say 'your' when addressing one person in an intimate way. Mainly used in old texts, poetry, and religious scripts.
|
Examples of usage
- Thou art my best friend.
- I love thee with all my heart.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Shakespeare frequently used 'thou' in his plays, giving characters a formal or intimate tone depending on context.
- In the King James Bible, 'thou' is used to translate many direct addresses, making it recognizable in religious texts.
Cultural Significance
- Using 'thou' is often associated with older literature or film, creating an air of nostalgia or historical atmosphere.
- In some modern re-enactments and fantasy media, 'thou' is used to add character depth and period authenticity.
Linguistics
- 'Thou' is often paired with 'thee' (objective case), showing the unique grammatical structure of earlier English.
- While 'thou' has mostly disappeared from daily speech, it has made its way into some regional dialects in the UK.
Social Context
- 'Thou' differentiated between the informal (thou) and formal (you) forms of address, similar to the distinction in other languages like French.
- In some religious settings, 'thou' is still used in prayers or hymns to convey respect and reverence.
Origin of 'thou'
Main points about word origin
- 'Thou' comes from the Old English 'รพลซ', which has roots in Germanic languages, showing how English evolved.
- The word 'thou' was commonly used in English until the 17th century before falling out of everyday use.
The word 'thou' is an archaic pronoun in the English language, primarily used in Middle English and Early Modern English. It was the singular form of 'you' and was commonly used to address one person informally or intimately. 'Thou' fell out of common usage in modern English and is now considered obsolete or poetic. It has historical significance in the development of the English language and can be found in literature, particularly works from the Renaissance period.