and
/ɑnd/
The phrase "and" in Old English is translated as and.
The word and is a conjunction used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑnd/
Did you know?
- The Old English word and likely evolved from a root meaning 'facing opposite' or 'near'. This means the word for 'and' originally described the physical position of things rather than a logical connection.
- Old English poetry often uses and to create a rhythmic structure called parataxis, where clauses are linked simply by 'and' without showing a hierarchy of importance. This gives the epic poems a relentless and driving pace.
- While we use 'and' to join things, its ancient relatives like the Old Norse enn often meant 'still' or 'yet'.
Examples in context
- Þū and ic sind wel.You and I are well.This sentence shows how to use and to connect two pronouns.Tatoeba #13853753 by rul, translation #13852159 by rul
- And hū mæg hē þæt dōn?And how can he do that?This example demonstrates starting a sentence with and.Tatoeba #13855213 by rul, translation #13850525 by rul
- Iċ brōhte wæstm and wīn.I brought fruit and wine.This sentence illustrates how and connects two nouns.Tatoeba #13894292 by rul, translation #13729234 by rul
- Hīe hopiaþ and ġebīdaþ.They hope and wait.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Osric and Eadgyth are discussing their daily chores.
- OsricHwæt begēate þū tōdæġ?What did you get today?
- EadgythIċ begeat hlāf and medu.I got bread and mead.
- OsricGōd, and hēr is sē fisc.Good, and here is the fish.
- EadgythNū wē etaþ and drincaþ.Now we eat and drink.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries and, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries and, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
