Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Subscribe

Archives



Apr 30, 2015
This week’s theme
Duoliteral words

This week’s words
os
aa
nu
ye
id

Internet Anagram Server
I, Rearrangement Servant
May I try your name?
Bookmark and Share Facebook Twitter Digg MySpace Bookmark and Share
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

ye

PRONUNCIATION:
(for definite article: thee, for pronoun: yee)

MEANING:
definite article: The.
pronoun: You.

ETYMOLOGY:
For definite article: Alteration of Old English þe (the). Earliest documented use: before 12th century.
For pronoun: From Old English ge. Earliest documented use: before 13th century.

NOTES:
The article ‘ye’ is an archaic spelling of our modern ‘the’. The article was earlier spelled with the character thorn þ in the Old English alphabet: þe. Because of the similarity of shapes, eventually printers began to use the letter y to represent the character thorn þ. Nowadays, the word ‘ye’ is used to give an old-fashioned appeal in naming, such as: Ye Olde Bookshoppe.
The pronoun ‘ye’ is a plural of ‘thou’ (you, singular), but these days it is used for both plural and singular.

USAGE:
“When the dung hits the fan, Barry tries to get his family back to the United States. Molly chooses that time to have ye old relationship talk (‘I feel like I hardly know you,’ she whines while Barry is physically willing the plane off the ground).”
Mary McNamara; Lack of Feelings is Its Downfall; Los Angeles Times; Jun 24, 2014.

“‘I’m sure if each of ye were given three nominees,’ Donal O’Grady said, gesturing to the media, ‘you might come up with different players for each position.’”
Hands Up If You’re Selected; Daily Mail (London, UK); Oct 24, 2007.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you. -Annie Dillard, author (b. 30 Apr 1945)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith