rīce
The Old English word for "rich" is rīce.
In Old English, this term often carries a connotation of being powerful or having authority/dominion. If you wish to refer specifically to material wealth, prosperity or well-being, the formal term wela is used.
Meaning: having wealth (adj)
Which one should you use?
While in Modern English 'rich' refers primarily to material wealth, in Old English the term rīce often carries a connotation of being powerful or having authority/dominion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective rīce is a strong declension adjective, meaning its endings will change based on the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- The term rīce shares a root with the word 'right', as both originally related to the idea of being straight, direct or having the correct authority.
- The noun form of rīce referred to a kingdom or a realm, such as the 'heavenly kingdom' or 'kingdom of God'.
- The word rīce is the ancestor of the modern English word 'rich' and the German word reich.
Examples in context
- Beoð his feohgyftas swiðe welafulle.His gifts of wealth are very abundant.
- Sē cyning is swīðe rīce.The king is very rich.
Example conversation
Two nobles are discussing a local landowner.
- ÆthelflædIs se mann rīce?Is that man rich?
- EadricĠēa, hē hæfþ fela goldes.Yes, he has much gold.
- ÆthelflædHē lufaþ rīce līf.He loves a rich life.
- EadricAnd hē is swīþe mōdig.And he is very proud.
