micel
The English phrase 'great' is translated into Old English as micel.
In Old English, micel primarily denotes size, amount or intensity (large/much) rather than just moral or qualitative 'goodness' as in modern English.
Meaning: very good (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word micel is the root form used to describe something of great size or importance.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, micel must decline to match the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies. Various forms of micel include micel, micle, micel, micelum, miclan.
Did you know?
- The Old English word micel is a distant relative of the Ancient Greek word mégas, which is the root for English words like 'megaphone' and 'megalopolis'.
- The modern English word 'much' is actually a descendant of micel, which functioned as both 'large' and 'much' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Þæt wæs wundorlic!That was great/wonderful!
- He hæfþ micel fyrdHe has a great army.
Example conversation
Mildryth and Eadric are discussing a feast.
- MildrythIs þæt symbel micel?Is that feast great?
- EadricGēa, hit is micel.Yes, it is great.
- MildrythIċ eom glæd.I am glad.
- EadricWē ealle sindon glæde.We all are.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries micel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
