What Does the Old English Pronoun 'Thou' Mean?
Discover the history and usage of the Old English pronoun 'thou' and its significance in modern language.
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Thou is an Old English pronoun used to address a singular person in an informal, familiar, or intimate context. It was commonly used in Middle and Early Modern English but fell out of general use by the 17th century. The pronoun serves as the subject form, while 'thee' is its object form. Although archaic, 'thou' appears in religious texts and literary works to imply deep familiarity or solemnity.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the significance of the pronoun 'thou'? The pronoun 'thou' was used in informal contexts, signaling familiarity or intimacy between speakers.
- When did 'thou' fall out of use? The pronoun 'thou' became less common by the 17th century in English speech.
- In which texts can 'thou' still be found? 'Thou' appears in religious texts and classical literature, symbolizing deep familiarity.
- What are the object and subject forms of 'thou'? 'Thou' is the subject form, while 'thee' serves as its object form.