What is the Pronoun 'Thou'? Exploring Its Historical Usage

Discover the meaning and historical significance of the pronoun 'thou' in English language and literature.

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The pronoun 'thou' is an old English term that was used to address a single person. Commonly found in classic literature and religious texts, 'thou' served the same purpose as 'you.' For example, 'thou art' means 'you are.' It has largely fallen out of use modernly, being replaced by 'you' in most contexts.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does the word 'thou' mean? 'Thou' is an archaic pronoun used to address a single person, equivalent to 'you' in modern usage.
  2. When did 'thou' fall out of use? 'Thou' largely fell out of common usage by the 17th century, replaced by 'you' in most contexts.
  3. Where can I find examples of 'thou' in literature? Examples of 'thou' can be found in classic texts, especially in works by Shakespeare and translations of the Bible.
  4. Why is 'thou' important in historical linguistics? 'Thou' is significant as it reflects the evolution of the English language and changes in social address over time.

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