Thou art thou Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
thou art thou
[รฐaส ษหt รฐaส ]
Definition
old English
You are you; you are yourself.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thou art thou |
An archaic phrase emphasizing the identity or nature of a person, can be poetic or used in historical texts.
|
| you |
Commonly used in modern English to address one or more people in everyday conversations, both formally and informally.
|
| yourself |
Used for emphasis in conversation, to refer back to the person being spoken to, or for polite/formal requests.
|
| thee |
Another archaic term used for 'you' when addressing one person, often found in literature, historical texts, or religious contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- Thou art thou, no one else.
- Thou art thou, embrace your true self.
- Remember, thou art thou, always.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous for appearing in Shakespeareโs works, this phrase illustrates deep emotional truths.
- In poetry, such expressions often evoke a sense of universality and timelessness, inviting readers to reflect on identity.
- The phrase is reminiscent of sonnets where poets explore the complexity of love and existence.
Cultural Significance
- This phrase is often used in discussions about identity and self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself.
- It carries a sense of nostalgia for the beautiful, albeit outdated, modes of communication in English.
- In modern times, it has become popular in literature and art as a way to invoke classical elegance and depth.
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, such phrases lead to explorations of the self and consciousness, questioning what it means to 'be.'
- It represents a state of awareness, asking individuals to reflect on their existence and essence.
- Philosophers often use similar structures to analyze dualities of self versus society.
Arts
- Artists use phrases like this in their work to evoke emotion and historical context, blending classical and contemporary themes.
- In music, it might appear in lyrics to create a lyrical harmony, linking the past to current feelings.
- The use of archaic language in theater and film adds layers of meaning, making characters relatable yet timeless.
Origin of 'thou art thou'
Main points about word origin
- The phrase comes from Middle English, where 'thou' means 'you' in a familiar sense.
- The word 'art' is an old form of 'are,' which is used to describe state of being.
- This construction was commonly used in Shakespearean English, reflecting a more personal and intimate form of discourse.
The word 'thou' is an archaic pronoun used in old English to address one person informally. It was commonly used in Shakespearean literature and other old texts. 'Thou' was gradually replaced by 'you' as the standard second person singular pronoun in modern English.