In the Soliloquy lexicon
forsooth
Used, often humorously or archaically, to express emphasis, affirmation, or surprise; indeed.
Used in a sentence
Forsooth, he expected us to believe the tale without question.
Where it comes from
From Old English forsōþ “in truth,” from for “for” plus sōþ “truth,” ultimately Proto-Germanic *santhaz “true.”
Its journey
Forsooth began in Old English as for sōþ, literally “for truth” or “in truth”, with sōþ meaning “true, truth”. It passed into Middle English as for sooth, serving as an earnest affirmation—rather like “indeed”. As its solemn ring grew old-fashioned, later speakers revived it chiefly for mock-archaic gravity or comic surprise.
A small story
At the inn, old Mr Vale lifted his glass when the rain began again. “Forsooth,” he murmured, watching the empty road vanish into silver, “summer has forgotten us.” No one laughed, though the word sat oddly bright among the damp coats and coal smoke.
Nearby words
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