rūm
The Old English word for 'room' is rūm.
rūm refers to a division in a building, but it can also mean an open space or an extent.
Meaning: division in a building (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word rūm literally means space, room or extent.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dative singular form of rūm is rūme.
Did you know?
- In Old English, rūm was more often used to describe 'space' or 'expanse' than a walled room. A specific room in a house was more commonly called a sele or a bur.
- In early poetic Old English, rūm could be used metaphorically to describe the capacity of a person's heart or mind.
- The transition of rūm from meaning 'open space' to 'a room with walls' happened gradually as architectural styles changed from open halls to partitioned houses.
Examples in context
- Hē stent on þām rūme.He stands in the room.
Example conversation
Osric and Æthelflæd are discussing where to sleep in the house.
- OsricHēr is rūm for þē, Æthelflæd.Here is a room for you, Æthelflæd.
- ÆthelflædIs þæt rūm clǣne?Is that room clean?
- OsricGēa, hit is swīðe clǣne.Yes, it is very clean.
- ÆthelflædIċ þancie þē, Osric.I thank you, Osric.
