Thou

/ðaʊ/

Meaning & Definition

pronoun

An archaic second person singular pronoun used to address one person, often in a familiar or intimate manner.

Thou art my friend.

Used as the subject of a verb in the singular form.

If thou dost not agree, speak now.

In older English usage, it was used to express commands or requests.

Pray, thou shalt listen to my tale.

Used in expressions of affection or familiarity.

Thou hast a kind heart.

Commonly found in religious texts and poetry as a term of address.

O Lord, thou knowest my secrets.

Old English 'þū' (thou), akin to Old High German 'du', and related to modern 'you'.

thou shalt:

you shall; often used in biblical contexts.

thou hast:

you have; an archaic way of saying you have.

A poetic or affectionate way to address someone.

O thou, my dearest friend!

Used humorously to emulate old-fashioned speech.

What up, thou?