Iwis / Ywis

Question

Hello. I've just learnt a word which is considered archaid. However I don't know when and where I should use it.

She answered me, I-wisse, all their sport in the park is but a shadow to that pleasure that I find in Plato." Ascham.

Ywis," quod he, it is full dear, I say." Chaucer.

A right good knight, and true of word ywis. Spenser.

Ywis or Iwis means certainly. So is the use of it in the following sentence correct? I'll, ywis, buy a car within 5 months. If this is true, does I'll certain absolutely/certainly buy a car within 5 months. have the same meaning? The reason I wrote those 3 sentences in bold is I don't why it's used in such a situation.

Could you please explain it?

Thanks.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

NugsoI don't know when and where I should use it

Never. We do not use ywis, quod, full dear or true of word any more.

Nugso · Answer

Thank your Mister Micawber. I'll refrain from using it, then. If I may, I'd like to know whether I'd be understood if I said it to native speaker.( Especially young generation).

Thanks.

Mister Micawber · Answer

NugsoI'd like to know whether I'd be understood if I said it to native speaker.( Especially young generation).

Not unless they have studied early English literature. Even then, speaking that way would mark you as a kook.

Anonymous · Answer

It’s more like the word “indeed”, and seems to be used more as an interjection than an adverb (and “certainly” certainly has that usage as well):

“‘Ywis’, quod he, ‘it is full dear, I say.’"

“Indeed”, quod he, “it is full dear, I say.”

“A right good knight, and true of word ywis.”

A right good knight, and true of word indeed.

You could say, “Ywis, I’ll buy a car within five months.” or “I’ll buy a car in five months ywis.” In other words, “Indeed, I’ll buy a car within five months.” or “I’ll buy a car in five months indeed.”

Iwis / Ywis

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions