aron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Rare / ObsoleteArchaic, Literary, Dramatic (e.g., Shakespearean usage)
Quick answer
What does “aron” mean?
A command meaning 'begone', 'get away', or 'be gone', used to drive away or dismiss someone or something, typically in an archaic or literary context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A command meaning 'begone', 'get away', or 'be gone', used to drive away or dismiss someone or something, typically in an archaic or literary context.
An obsolete imperative verb used to express rejection, dismissal, or exorcism of an unwanted presence, often with connotations of supernatural or pestilent threats. In modern historical or dramatic usage, it can imply a forceful, often scornful, act of sending away.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary difference; both recognize it as an archaic literary term found in Shakespeare. Any modern usage is equally antiquarian in both regions.
Connotations
Evokes Shakespeare, witches (e.g., Macbeth), and early modern drama. Connotes a dramatic, supernatural, or historical dismissal.
Frequency
Not used in modern speech or writing outside deliberate historical, literary, or theatrical contexts. Frequency is near-zero in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “aron” in a Sentence
Aroint + thee/you (object pronoun)Aroint + noun phrase (e.g., 'aroint thee, witch')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aron” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- "Aroint thee, witch!" the old man cried, brandishing a cross.
- The ghost was commanded to 'aroint' from the hall.
American English
- "Aroint thee!" the actor boomed in the Shakespeare in the Park production.
- The text has the stage direction: 'He points and says, Aroint.'
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use exists)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use exists)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival use exists)
American English
- (No standard adjectival use exists)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in literary analysis, Shakespearean studies, and historical linguistics lectures/discussions.
Everyday
Never used; would be seen as an eccentric or theatrical quotation.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aron”
- Using it as a regular verb (e.g., 'I arointed him').
- Spelling it as 'aroynt'.
- Using it in a modern, non-quotative context.
- Pronouncing it with stress on the first syllable (e.g., /ˈær.ɔɪnt/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an obsolete imperative verb, primarily recorded in Early Modern English, most famously in the works of Shakespeare. It is not part of modern active vocabulary.
Only in highly specific contexts, such as quoting Shakespeare, writing historical fiction, or for deliberate dramatic/archaic effect. In normal conversation or writing, it would be incomprehensible or seem affected.
The etymology is uncertain. It is often suggested to be related to a dialectal phrase or perhaps a contraction of an imperative like 'a-roint' (meaning 'get thee gone'). Its first major recorded use is in 16th-17th century English drama.
No. 'Aroint' is used only as an imperative command (e.g., 'aroint thee'). It was not a regular verb, so forms like 'arointed' or 'arointing' are not standard, though occasionally invented by writers for stylistic effect.
A command meaning 'begone', 'get away', or 'be gone', used to drive away or dismiss someone or something, typically in an archaic or literary context.
Aron is usually archaic, literary, dramatic (e.g., shakespearean usage) in register.
Aron: 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!”
- “Hence, aroint!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A ROINT (like a joint) in your plan? Tell it 'AROINT!' to get rid of it. Think of a witch being told to 'Aroint' by a character in a pointy hat.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJECTION IS VERBAL EXORCISM (using a specific, potent word to cast out an unwanted entity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'aroint' be MOST appropriate to use today?