Hie

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/haɪ/ (American and British English)

Definitions

• To go quickly; hasten.
• To move or travel in haste.

Usage Examples

• She bade him hie to the castle before nightfall.
• Let us hie to the marketplace before it closes.
• He hied himself to the mountains to escape the city’s noise.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'hien', from Old English 'hīgian' meaning 'to hasten' or 'strive.'

Synonyms

• Hasten
• Rush
• Speed
• Scurry

Antonyms

• Delay
• Dawdle
• Loiter
• Lag

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• Standard English: /haɪ/
• Scottish English (historical): /haɪə/
• Southern US dialects: /haɪ/ (often with a drawn-out intonation)

Historical Usage

'Hie' was commonly used in Shakespearean and Middle English literature, often in poetic or dramatic contexts to indicate urgency or command. It has since become archaic but is occasionally used in literary or humorous settings.

Cultural Nuances

In historical and literary contexts, 'hie' often appears in medieval poetry and drama, giving an old-fashioned or poetic tone to speech. It has largely fallen out of everyday use but is still understood in some dialects and literary references.

More Information

Although rarely used in modern speech, 'hie' remains in some idiomatic expressions and classical texts. It appears in works such as Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' ("Hie you hence!") and retains its historical charm in reenactments and period literature.