gree: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicArchaic, Dialectal (Scottish), Poetic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “gree” mean?
An archaic, dialectal, or Scottish verb meaning 'to agree' or 'to make agree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic, dialectal, or Scottish verb meaning 'to agree' or 'to make agree; to reconcile'.
In historical or poetic contexts, can also denote 'to please' or 'to be in harmony with'. Principally used in Scottish English or in very formal, antiquated writing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it survives only in Scottish dialects and historical contexts. In American English, it is virtually unknown except to specialists in literature or linguistics.
Connotations
Evokes a sense of antiquity, rural simplicity, or Scottish cultural identity.
Frequency
Negligible in general usage. More likely to be encountered in the UK than the US due to Scottish influence.
Grammar
How to Use “gree” in a Sentence
[Subject] gree with [Object][Subject] gree [Object] (archaic: please/agree with)Let [something] gree (let it be agreed)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gree” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two clans could not gree on the border lands.
- It gree'd well with his principles.
- Let us gree on a price and shake hands.
American English
- (Virtually no contemporary use. Historical example:) The terms did not gree with the delegation's instructions.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival use. 'Gree' as an adjective is not standard.)
American English
- (No standard adjectival use.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistic studies or literary analysis of older/Scottish texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gree”
- Using it in modern writing as a synonym for 'agree'.
- Pronouncing it like 'gree' in 'green' (it is a homophone of 'agree' without the 'a').
- Assuming it is a noun (it is primarily a verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is archaic or dialectal. It is not used in contemporary standard English.
No, unless you are writing in a specific historical or Scottish dialect style. Using it in a modern context would be marked as an error.
'Agree' is the standard modern word. 'Gree' is its older, now largely obsolete predecessor, surviving mainly in Scottish usage and fixed phrases.
Most likely in the works of Scottish poets like Robert Burns, in historical documents, or in studies of the English language's evolution.
An archaic, dialectal, or Scottish verb meaning 'to agree' or 'to make agree.
Gree is usually archaic, dialectal (scottish), poetic, literary in register.
Gree: in British English it is pronounced /ɡriː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡriː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To gree and like (archaic: to get along well)”
- “To take the gree (Scottish: to win the prize/victory - from a different noun sense of 'gree')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'agree' without the 'a' – 'gree' is its older, shorter cousin.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS ALIGNMENT / HARMONY. The word conceptualises agreement as things fitting or lining up together.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'gree' be MOST appropriately used today?