rede: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Extremely RareArchaic / Literary / Specialised (Norse/Medieval contexts)
Quick answer
What does “rede” mean?
advise or counsel someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
advise or counsel someone.
To interpret or explain something, especially a dream or a riddle; to tell a story.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally archaic in both dialects. Might be marginally more recognised in the UK due to the survival of the word in some British place names and dialect poetry, but this is negligible.
Connotations
Connotes a medieval or deliberately poetic/antiquated style.
Frequency
Virtually never used in modern speech or general writing outside of deliberate archaism.
Grammar
How to Use “rede” in a Sentence
[Verb + Object]: 'I rede you to flee.'[Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object]: 'He reded them a tale.'[Verb + Direct Object]: 'Can you rede this strange portent?'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rede” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'Hark, friend, I rede thee, do not venture into the haunted forest.'
- 'The wise woman reded him to seek the ancient oak.'
American English
- 'I rede you, stranger, turn back now.'
- 'The saga reded of a great battle long ago.'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used only in historical linguistics or medieval literature studies when quoting source texts.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used in fantasy role-playing games (RPGs) or fiction to create a pseudo-medieval atmosphere.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rede”
- Using it in modern contexts (sounds comical).
- Confusing it with the verb 'read'.
- Spelling it as 'reed' (the plant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It is considered an archaism used only for deliberate stylistic effect in historical or fantasy genres.
Confusing it with the past tense of 'read' (pronounced /rɛd/), as in 'I read a book yesterday.' 'Rede' is always pronounced /riːd/.
Yes, it can also be a noun meaning 'counsel' or 'advice', as in the phrase 'to take rede'. This noun form is equally archaic.
In translations of Old English poetry (like 'Beowulf'), Old Norse sagas, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien (who used archaic language), and in some traditional ballads or fantasy role-playing game lore.
advise or counsel someone.
Rede is usually archaic / literary / specialised (norse/medieval contexts) in register.
Rede: in British English it is pronounced /riːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /riːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'To take rede' (to accept advice).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REaD with an E: you can 'read' a situation and then 'rede' (advise) someone about it.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADVICE IS A GUIDING LIGHT ('I followed his rede out of the darkness of doubt').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'rede' be MOST appropriate?