sār
neuter
The Old English word for pain is sār.
The word sār refers specifically to an ache or bodily suffering. The noun earfoð signifies hardship or distress.
Meaning: ache or bodily suffering (noun)
Which one should you use?
The formal noun earfoð is used to describe hardship or distress.
How does it change in a sentence?
sār is a neuter noun.
Did you know?
- The modern English word 'sore' is a direct descendant of sār, meaning the word has remained almost unchanged in sound and meaning for over a thousand years.
- In Old English poetry, sār is frequently used as a metaphor for grief and emotional heartache, not just physical bodily suffering.
- The adjective form of sār could be used to describe a 'sore' or 'painful' sight, meaning something that was distressing to behold.
Examples in context
- Þæt sār is micel.The pain is great.
Example conversation
Osric is complaining about a wound to Æthelflæd.
- OsricÆthelflæd, mīn earm hæfð sār.Æthelflæd, my arm has pain.
- ÆthelflædHū mīhte sār becuman?How might the pain have come?
- OsricIc fēoll on þone stān.I fell on the stone.
- ÆthelflædIc wille helpan þē.I will help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pain” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
