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Troth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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troth

[troʊθ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a relationship

a solemn pledge of fidelity; betrothal.

Synonyms

pledge, promise, vow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
troth

Used in historical or literary contexts, often related to marriage or a solemn promise.

  • She pledged her troth to him in a solemn ceremony
vow

Usually used in formal or solemn situations, such as weddings or important personal commitments.

  • They exchanged vows during the wedding ceremony
promise

Commonly used in everyday speech to indicate a commitment to do something in the future.

  • I promise to call you as soon as I arrive
pledge

Used when making a serious commitment or guarantee, often in formal situations or agreements.

  • The donors made a pledge to support the charity for five years

Examples of usage

  • They exchanged troths in a private ceremony.
  • The couple's troth was sealed with a kiss.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

loyalty or faithfulness to a person or promise.

Synonyms

allegiance, devotion, fidelity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
troth

Used primarily in historical or literary contexts to express a solemn pledge or faithfulness. This word is often associated with old-fashioned or romantic settings.

  • 'I pledge thee my troth,' he said with a deep bow
fidelity

Used to express faithfulness and accuracy, often in the context of relationships, data, or reproductions. This word is common in discussions about marriage, technology, and products.

  • His fidelity to his spouse was never in question
  • The audio fidelity of this new music system is remarkable
allegiance

Used in formal or serious situations to express loyalty or commitment to a country, leader, or cause. Often found in political, military, and civic contexts.

  • Every citizen is required to swear allegiance to the national flag
devotion

Used to express deep love, commitment, or enthusiasm for a person, cause, or activity. This word conveys strong emotional attachment and is often found in personal, religious, or passionate contexts.

  • Her devotion to her family is truly inspiring

Examples of usage

  • He remained true to his troth despite the challenges.
  • The knight's troth to his king was unwavering.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Troth is often found in medieval literature, where characters swear oaths of loyalty, especially in tales of knights and chivalry.
  • In Shakespeare's works, themes of loyalty and fidelity are prominent, reflecting the significance of the concept of troth.
  • The phrase 'troth plighted' refers to the act of promising loyalty, often seen in wedding vows and romantic literature.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the idea of troth is integral to forming bonds, especially in marriage ceremonies where vows symbolize commitment.
  • Historical documents such as marriage contracts often emphasize the importance of troth between partners as a legal and moral obligation.
  • The concept is also echoed in modern phrases like 'keep your troth', signifying that one should uphold promises made to others.

Psychology

  • Commitment, or troth, plays a crucial role in human relationships, fostering trust and emotional security.
  • Research shows that keeping promises strengthens interpersonal bonds and increases overall relationship satisfaction.
  • A breach of troth can lead to feelings of betrayal and distrust, highlighting the emotional weight of loyalty in relationships.

Modern Usage

  • While 'troth' is less commonly used today, it appears in phrases like 'troth plighting' in weddings, linking it to tradition.
  • The term is often invoked in discussions surrounding fidelity in romantic partnerships and friendships.
  • Contemporary literature may revive 'troth' to evoke a sense of ancient loyalty in modern narratives.

Origin of 'troth'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'troth' comes from the Old English 'treowth', which means faithfulness or loyalty.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'traust', meaning trust, highlighting its deep connection to faith and reliability.
  • The term has been used since at least the 12th century, indicating its long-standing presence in the English language.

The word 'troth' has its origins in Old English, with the meaning of 'truth, loyalty, faithfulness'. It was commonly used in the context of marriage or solemn promises. Over time, the word evolved to represent a pledge of fidelity or loyalty, especially in a romantic or historical context. Today, 'troth' is a less common word, but it still carries the weight of commitment and faithfulness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,764, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.