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30 October 2025
10 Ancient Words We Still Use Today
Old English never really died — it just evolved!Here are 10 ancient words that still live in our modern language
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Alas — The Word of Sorrow
Used since the 13th century, alas expresses sadness or regret.Example: “Alas, we missed the train!”
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Betwixt — The Old “Between”
Once common in Middle English, betwixt simply means “between.”You might still spot it in poetry or fantasy books
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Nay — The Classic “No”
Before no, there was nay!It's still used today in parliaments or dramatic speech
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Hither — Come This Way
Hither means “to this place.”Shakespeare used it often: “Come hither!”
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Whilst — The Fancy “While”
British English still loves whilst —a formal or poetic way to say while
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Hark! — Listen Closely
An ancient way to say listen!Used in phrases like “Hark! The herald angels sing.”
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Foe — The Noble Enemy
This medieval word for “enemy” is still common in fantasy and storytelling.Example: “He faced his greatest foe.”
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Behold — Look in Awe
Means “to see or observe something remarkable.”Example: “Behold the beauty of dawn!”
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Thou — The Old “You”
Used to address someone informally in Old English.Now used mostly in prayers or old-style quotes
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Yonder — Over There
Means “at some distance but within sight.”Example: “Look yonder, the mountains!”
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Language That Lives On
These ancient words remind us that English never stops evolving —it carries the echoes of history in every syllable
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