aroint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ArchaicArchaic / Poetic / Literary / Dialectal (historical)
Quick answer
What does “aroint” mean?
An archaic or dialectal command meaning 'begone!
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic or dialectal command meaning 'begone!', 'away!', or 'depart!'
To cause to depart; to drive away; used as an imperative verb to dismiss or banish someone or something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary difference, as the word is obsolete in both dialects. Historical attestations are from British English sources.
Connotations
In both varieties, if used today, it would carry connotations of Shakespearean language, archaism, or theatricality.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in modern corpora for both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “aroint” in a Sentence
Imperative: Aroint + object pronoun (thee/you)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aroint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- "Aroint thee, foul spirit!" cried the old man in the play.
- He would often jokingly aroint the pigeons from his windowsill.
American English
- "Aroint thee," she whispered, quoting the bard to the stray cat.
- The actor delivered the line, 'Aroint thee, witch!' with great force.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or Shakespearean studies.
Everyday
Never used; would be confusing or humorous archaism.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aroint”
- Using it as a non-imperative verb (*He arointed the cat).
- Using it in modern contexts unironically.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈeɪ.rɔɪnt/ or /ə.ˈrɔɪnt.ɪd/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic word. It is only encountered in historical texts, Shakespearean performances, or academic discussions of obsolete vocabulary.
Its etymology is uncertain. It appears in English in the late 16th/early 17th century, most famously in Shakespeare's works. Some theories link it to a northern English dialect term or to Romany, but no definitive origin is established.
You can, but it will sound deliberately archaic, theatrical, or humorous. It is not appropriate for standard communication and will likely not be understood by most people.
It is a verb, but it is almost exclusively used in the imperative mood as a command ('Aroint thee!').
An archaic or dialectal command meaning 'begone!
Aroint is usually archaic / poetic / literary / dialectal (historical) in register.
Aroint: in British English it is pronounced /əˈrɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈrɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Aroint thee, witch!" (Shakespeare, *King Lear*)”
- “"Aroint thee, foul dream!" (hypothetical literary)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A ROYNT (royal nuisance, trouble) – so begone!'
Conceptual Metaphor
DISMISSAL IS A VERBAL COMMAND TO DEPART (archaic)
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'aroint' in contemporary English?