iċ bidde þē
The English phrase 'please' is expressed in Old English as iċ bidde þē.
In Old English, 'please' is an interjection used to make a polite request.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase iċ bidde þē literally means 'I pray you' or 'I ask you'.
Which one should you use?
The form iċ bidde þē is used when addressing a single person. If you are making a request to a group of people, you should use iċ bidde ēow. You may also use the shortened form iċ bidde if the person being asked is already understood from the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the pronoun þē to indicate that the request is directed at one person (singular). To address multiple people (plural), the pronoun changes to ēow in the phrase iċ bidde ēow.
Did you know?
- The verb bidde is the direct ancestor of the modern English word 'bid', but in Old English it meant to pray or request rather than to command.
- The pronoun þē is the ancestor of the archaic English word 'thee' which was used in the King James Bible.
Examples in context
- Iċ bidde þē, help mē nū.Please, help me now.
Example conversation
Wulfrun asks Eadric to close a door.
- WulfrunIċ bidde þē, belūc þā duru.Please, close the door.
- EadricIċ wille hit dōn.I will do it.
- WulfrunIċ þancie þē, Ēadric.Thank you, Eadric.
- EadricÞæt is lȳtel þing.That is a small thing.
