andswaru
/ˈɑndˌswɑ.ru/feminine
The Old English word for 'answer' (as a noun) is andswaru. If unsure, use andswaru. Wiktionary also lists andwyrde.
Meaning: response (noun)
Ways to say it
| Old English | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| andswaru | /ˈɑndˌswɑ.ru/ | feminine |
| andwyrde | /ˈɑndˌwyr.de/ | neuter |
The word refers to a response or a reply.
Which one should you use?
The noun andswaru is the standard form for a response, while the related verb andwyrdan is used to express the action of making a reply.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun andswaru follows the strong declension pattern for feminine nouns. The neuter form andwyrde is a variant used in specific grammatical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable: /ˈɑndˌswɑ.ru/.
Did you know?
- The prefix and- in andswaru does not mean 'and' in the sense of adding something, but rather 'against' or 'in return'.
- In the legal world of Old English, an andswaru was often a formal plea in court. This made the word as much a legal term as a general conversational one.
- The term andwyrde is a direct relative of the modern German word Antwort. Both share a common ancestor in the Proto-Germanic word andawurdiją.
Examples in context
- His andswaru wæs sceort.His answer was short.This sentence shows how to use the feminine form andswaru to describe an answer that was short.Tatoeba #13896301 by rul, translation #12703399 by rul
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a letter.
- OsricHæfst þū andsware?Have you an answer?
- MildrythNāne iċ næbbe.I have none.
- OsricHwǣr is sēo andswaru?Where is the answer?
- MildrythHēo cymþ tō morgenne.It comes tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “answer” translations and entries andswaru, andwyrde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andswaru, andwyrde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
