Trowed - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

past tense

Trowed is the archaic past tense of the verb 'trow,' which means to believe or to trust. It is used primarily in dialects and historical texts to express faith or confidence in something or someone. In modern usage, it is rarely encountered outside of literary contexts. The word has roots in Old English, where 'trowen' was used in similar contexts. It is important to note that this form has largely fallen out of use in contemporary English.

Synonyms

believed, thought, trusted.

Examples of usage

I trowed he would come.
She trowed the stories were true.
They trowed the plan would work.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Trowed appears in classic literature, especially in older poems and tales that reflect on belief and perception.
Famous playwrights like Shakespeare noted the importance of belief in characters’ motivations and actions throughout their works.
The use of 'trowed' can evoke a sense of folklore, often found in stories that speak to trust in magical elements.

Cultural Significance

'Trowed' connects deeply with cultural narratives where belief shapes reality, such as in fairy tales or folklore.
It is often associated with the idea of superstition, where believing something can influence outcomes.
In certain traditions, to be 'trowed' means to be under the enchantment of a strong belief, which can be both empowering and limiting.

Psychology

Beliefs can significantly impact human behavior and decision-making, reflecting a person's values and perceptions.
Cognitive psychology explores how beliefs are constructed and the way they can shape reality for individuals.
The act of holding a belief, even when not factually correct, can lead to changes in emotional states and actions based on those beliefs.

Historical Usage

Historically, 'trowed' was common in English dialects and is less used in modern language, making it a linguistic curiosity.
Many historical documents from the medieval period feature terms like 'trowed', emphasizing the weight of belief in societal contexts.
The fading of 'trowed' from everyday language reflects wider changes in how we now express belief and trust.

Origin of 'trowed'

Main points about word origin

The word 'trowed' comes from the Old English 'trowian' which means to trust or believe.
It has connections to similar words in other languages, such as the Scots word 'trow', which also means to think or suppose.
In Middle English, this term evolved in usage, often relating to belief in fairy tales or magical stories.

The word 'trowed' has its roots in Old English, specifically from the word 'trowen', which is derived from Proto-Germanic *trewwōną, meaning 'to believe'. The derivative 'trow' was commonly used in Middle English and has historical significance in various dialects, but its usage has diminished significantly over time. In the early forms of the language, 'trow' was utilized in both literary and oral traditions, where expressing belief was crucial. As English evolved, it borrowed from many languages and absorbed new verbs while older forms became obsolete. Linguistic changes over the centuries, including the transition from Middle to Modern English, led to the loss of many archaic terms such as 'trowed'. Today, its use is largely confined to historical texts, poetry, or dialects within certain regions.

Trowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations