gecirran
The Old English word for "return" is gecirran.
gecirran is a verb used to describe the action of coming or going back.
Meaning: to come or go back (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form gecirran is the infinitive form of the verb, representing "to return".
Did you know?
- The modern English word 'churn' is a distant relative of the root in gecirran. Both derive from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to turn'.
- The spelling of gecirran reflects a phonetic system where the 'c' could be pronounced as a 'ch' sound, similar to the modern word 'church'.
- The prefix ge- in gecirran often indicates a completed action. This suggests that for an Anglo-Saxon, the act of returning was not just the movement, but the successful arrival back at the destination.
Examples in context
- Hie sceolon gecirran hider.They must return here.
Example conversation
Two people discussing a journey home.
- EadricHwanne wilt þū gecirran, Eadgyth?When do you want to return, Eadgyth?
- EadgythIc wille gecirran tōmorgenne.I want to return tomorrow.
- EadricÞæt is gōd.That is good.
- EadgythGange wē nū.Let us go now.
