Ic understande
The phrase "I understand" is translated into Old English as Ic understande.
This phrase is used to indicate that a speaker comprehends the meaning of something.
Did you know?
- The verb understande originally meant 'to stand in the midst of' or 'to stand among'. To understand something was to physically place oneself among the facts or people involved.
- If you were to say 'Ic understande' to a 10th-century monk, the 'e' at the end of 'understande' would have been a soft, voiced vowel sound, not silent.
- In much of early Old English, the 'c' in ic would have been pronounced as a palatal sound, similar to the 'ch' in the English word 'church'.
Examples in context
- Ic understande þas word.I understand these words.
- Nis þæt, ac ic understande.It is not that, but I understand.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a plan for the harvest.
- ÆthelstanHlyst mē, Mildryþ.Listen to me, Mildryth.
- MildrythIc understande, Æþelstan.I understand, Æthelstan.
- ÆthelstanWē sculon ūs nū ġearwian.We must get ready now.
- MildrythIc eom ġearu.I am ready.
