andettan
/ˈɑn.det.tɑn/
To confess in Old English is andettan.
andettan is a verb used to express the act of admitting to the truth.
Meaning: to admit to the truth (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, and the first syllable is stressed. The pronunciation is /ˈɑn.det.tɑn/.
Did you know?
- While the modern word 'confess' comes from Latin, the Old English andettan represents a purely Germanic way of expressing the same idea.
- In Old Saxon, a close relative of Old English, the cognate andhētan could mean 'to teach' as well as 'to vow'.
- Because of its roots in 'promising', using a word like andettan in a historical context would imply a level of binding commitment to the words spoken.
Examples in context
- Hē sceal andettan þæt sōþ.He must confess the truth.
Example conversation
Mildryth confronts Osric about a broken vase.
- MildrythHwā nam þæt glæs?Who took that glass?
- OsricIc nāt.I do not know.
- MildrythAndette nū, Osric!Confess now, Osric!
- OsricIc hit tōbrǣc.I broke it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confess” translations and entries andettan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andettan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
