Part of Speech

Interjection, verb (archaic)

Pronunciation

/bɪˈɡɒn/

Definitions

1. Interjection: Used to command or dismiss someone or something, often with an air of finality or authority. Equivalent to "go away" or "be gone".
2. Verb (archaic): To cause to go away; to dismiss, banish, or drive away. Used chiefly in older or literary contexts.

Usage Examples

• "Begone, foul creature!"
• "I command you to begone from my presence!"
• "He wished to begone from the scene of the tragedy."

Etymology

The word 'begone' is a combination of the prefix "be-" and the verb "gone," which originally meant "to go" or "to depart." The form 'begone' has been used since the Middle Ages, evolving from the Old English "began" meaning "to go away" or "to leave." Over time, it developed into a command or expression used in literary and dramatic contexts to instruct or dismiss someone or something, often with a sense of urgency or disdain.

Synonyms

• Go away
• Leave
• Depart
• Be gone
• Disappear
• Vamoose
• Exit

Antonyms

• Stay
• Remain
• Come
• Arrive
• Enter

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, 'begone' is often pronounced with a stronger emphasis on the 'gone' part, with a sharp 'o' sound.
• In American English, the pronunciation is typically more neutral, with both syllables sounding less stressed.
• In Irish English, 'begone' may carry a slightly more melodious or elongated vowel sound in the second syllable.

Historical Usage

Historically, 'begone' was commonly used in literature and drama as a commanding or authoritative expression. In Shakespearean plays, it frequently appeared as a dismissal or an imperative to banish someone or something. It was a staple of formal or poetic language but has since fallen out of common usage in everyday speech, relegated mostly to literary or dramatic contexts. In the modern era, it is primarily found in historical, fantasy, or period dramas.

Cultural Nuances

'Begone' carries a sense of authority, often evoking an image of a noble or powerful figure issuing a command. It is tied to older forms of English and is less likely to be used in everyday conversation today, except in theatrical or stylized contexts. In many cultures, a similar expression is used as an imperative to remove someone from a space or situation. Its somewhat archaic and dramatic nature may imbue a sense of heightened emotion or urgency.

More Information

'Begone' is a perfect example of how language evolves over time. Once a common expression of dismissal, it now resides mostly in the realm of historical fiction, fantasy literature, and dramatic performances. Its roots in medieval and early modern English reflect the social hierarchies and formal speech patterns of those eras. In modern usage, its impact is often more about evoking a sense of the past rather than being a practical command.