dīegol
The Old English word for the noun secret is dīegol.
dīegol is used to refer to knowledge that is hidden.
Meaning: knowledge that is hidden (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun dīegol refers to the secret itself, whereas the related form dēagol is an adjective meaning something that is being or kept hidden.
Related words
Did you know?
- The word dīegol is closely linked to the Old English word for 'dark', suggesting that a 'secret' was something that existed in the shadows or was obscured from sight.
- In the context of early Germanic-speaking communities, calling something dīegol could imply it was a 'hidden thing' of a mystical or even supernatural nature.
- The root of dīegol is shared with the Old High German word tiuugol, showing that the idea of 'hidden knowledge' was expressed similarly across early Germanic languages.
Examples in context
- Is þæt eall dīegol?Is that all a secret?
- Þæt dīegol is swīðe dēore.The secret is very dear.
Example conversation
Two people talking in a quiet hall.
- ÆthelstanHæfst þū sum dīegol, Mildryth?Do you have a secret, Mildryth?
- MildrythĠēa, Æthelstan, ic hæbbe.Yes, Æthelstan, I do.
- ÆthelstanWilt þū hit mē secgan?Do you want to tell it to me?
- MildrythNese, hit sceal dīegol bēon.No, it must stay secret.
