grote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Obsolete / Historical
UK/ɡroʊt/US/ɡroʊt/

Archaic / Literary / Historical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “grote” mean?

A Middle English or archaic term meaning 'to weep' or 'to cry'.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A Middle English or archaic term meaning 'to weep' or 'to cry'.

This obsolete verb primarily described the act of weeping or shedding tears. It is not used in contemporary English except in historical or poetic contexts referring to medieval literature.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No contemporary differences; the word is equally obsolete in both varieties.

Connotations

Historical, melancholic, poetic.

Frequency

Never used in modern speech or writing outside of historical quotation or specialized academic discussion.

Grammar

How to Use “grote” in a Sentence

[Subject] + grot + (for/with + noun phrase)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
sorefor sorrowbitterly
medium
heshethey
weak
andbutwhen

Examples

Examples of “grote” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The maiden grote all night for her lost love.
  • He grote sorely in the old poem.

American English

  • The knight grote for his fallen comrades.
  • In the tale, she grote with despair.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not applicable.

Academic

Used only in historical linguistics or medieval literature studies.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

Not applicable outside philology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “grote”

Strong

bemoanedlamented

Neutral

Weak

sighedsobbed

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “grote”

laughedrejoicedcelebrated

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “grote”

  • Using it in modern conversation.
  • Confusing it with 'great' or 'groat' (a coin).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is an obsolete Middle English verb meaning 'wept'.

Only if you are quoting or analysing medieval literature; otherwise, use modern 'wept'.

'Grote' is the past tense of the obsolete 'greet' (to weep). Modern 'greet' (to say hello) is a different word from Old English 'grētan'.

In texts like 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer or Middle English poetry.

A Middle English or archaic term meaning 'to weep' or 'to cry'.

Grote is usually archaic / literary / historical in register.

Grote: in British English it is pronounced /ɡroʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡroʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • 'grote his/her fill' (wept until satisfied)

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'The knight GROT(E) after the battle' rhymes with 'wrote', linking to old tales being written (wrote) about tears.

Conceptual Metaphor

SADNESS IS A FLUID (TEARS) IN A CONTAINER (THE BODY) - 'He grot his eyes out.'

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In Middle English, the knight for his sins.
Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of 'grote' in a medieval text?