Definify.com

Definition 2024

swith

swith

See also: sƿiþ and swiþ

English

Adjective

swith ‎(comparative swither, superlative swithest)

  1. (dialectal or obsolete) Strong; vehement.

Etymology 2

From Middle English swith, swithe, from Old English swīþe ‎(“very much, exceedingly, severely, violently, fiercely”), from Proto-Germanic *swinþa ‎(“strongly”), from Proto-Indo-European *swento- ‎(“active, healthy”). Not cognate to superficially similar swift, as these have distinct PIE roots, though both share *swe- prefix in PIE.

Alternative forms

Adverb

swith ‎(comparative swither, superlative swithest)

  1. (dialectal or obsolete) Quickly, speedily, promptly.
  2. (dialectal or obsolete) Strongly; vehemently; very.

Etymology

From Middle English swith, from Old English swīþ ‎(“strong, mighty, powerful, active, severe, violent”), from Proto-Germanic *swinþaz ‎(“strong”), from Proto-Indo-European *swento- ‎(“active, healthy”). Cognate with Old Saxon swīth, Middle High German swind (Modern German geschwind ‎(“fast, quick, swift”)), Middle Low German swīde (Modern Low German swied ‎(“very, quite”)), Dutch gezwind ‎(“fast, quick, swift”), West Frisian swiid ‎(“impressive, special”), Old Norse svinnr, Gothic 𐍃𐍅𐌹𐌽𐌸𐍃 ‎(swinþs, “strong”). Related to sound.

Similar Results