Thee vs. Thy — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Thee" is an archaic second person singular object pronoun, used as "you" today, whereas "thy" is an old possessive form of "you", used as "your".
Difference Between Thee and Thy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Thee" was commonly used in Early Modern English as the object form of "thou", akin to the modern "you" when addressing a single individual directly, whereas "thy" served as the possessive adjective, similar to today's "your".
In literature, "thee" appears frequently in works like Shakespeare's plays, indicating a personal or intimate address, while "thy" is used to denote ownership or association, as seen in phrases like "thy name".
In the context of usage, "thee" would be found in sentences where the person is the recipient of an action, for instance in prayers or poems, whereas "thy" would precede a noun to denote possession.
The revival of these terms is often seen in religious texts or in historical reenactments to evoke a sense of antiquity and formality, showcasing "thee" as more of a direct appeal to someone, while "thy" emphasizes a personal connection or belonging.
In terms of modern understanding, younger generations might find "thee" and "thy" confusing, primarily encountering them in classical studies or religious contexts, where "thee" might appear in a more passive role, and "thy" in a possessive role.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Object pronoun
Possessive adjective
Modern Equivalent
You
Your
Usage Context
Direct addressing of an individual
Denoting possession or association
Example from Literature
"I beseech thee"
"Thy kingdom come"
Common in
Prayers, poems
Religious texts, poetry
Compare with Definitions
Thee
Object pronoun used for singular you.
I give this to thee.
Thy
Possessive form of thou, equivalent to your.
Thy book is on the table.
Thee
Used historically in formal or poetic contexts.
Hearken unto thee.
Thy
Common in archaic English, particularly in poetry.
Thy words resonate with beauty.
Thee
Found in religious scriptures to denote respect.
Blessed art thee.
Thy
Indicates possession or association in old texts.
Thy name is revered.
Thee
Employed in archaic or ceremonial language.
Woe unto thee.
Thy
Appears in historical dialogues or reenactments.
Thy courage will not falter.
Thee
Appears in classical literature and period texts.
I beseech thee to listen.
Thy
Used in religious contexts to express closeness to deity.
Thy will be done.
Thee
Archaic or dialect form of you, as the singular object of a verb or preposition
We beseech thee O lord
Thy
Archaic or dialect form of your
Honour thy father and thy mother
Thee
Objective and reflexive case of thou.
Thy
Used as a modifier before a noun.
Thee
Thou.
Thy
Form of Possessive form.
Thee
(transitive) To address (a person) using the pronoun thee.
Thy
Of thee, or belonging to thee; the more common form of thine, possessive case of thou; - used always attributively, and chiefly in the solemn or grave style, and in poetry. Thine is used in the predicate; as, the knife is thine. See Thine.
Our father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done.
These are thy glorious works, Parent of good.
Thee
(intransitive) To use the word thee.
Thee
To thrive; prosper.
Thee
The letter ⟨(⟩, which stands for the th sound lang=en in Pitman shorthand.
Thee
To thrive; to prosper.
Well mote thee, as well can wish your thought.
Thee
The objective case of thou. See Thou.
This sword hath ended him; so shall it thee,Unless thou yield thee as my prisoner.
Common Curiosities
Why are "thee" and "thy" rarely used in modern English?
"Thee" and "thy" are considered archaic and have been replaced by more modern terms, making them uncommon outside of specific historical or religious texts.
What does "thy" mean in modern English?
"Thy" is the old possessive adjective form of "you", equivalent to "your" in contemporary usage.
How does one correctly use "thee" in a sentence?
"Thee" is used as the object of a verb or preposition, such as in "I adore thee" or "unto thee."
Are "thee" and "thy" still taught in schools today?
Yes, "thee" and "thy" are taught in schools primarily during lessons on Shakespearean language, poetry, or the King James Bible.
Can "thee" or "thy" be used in formal writings today?
Typically, "thee" and "thy" are not used in contemporary formal writings except for artistic or deliberate archaic effect.
What is an example of "thy" used in classic literature?
In Shakespeare's works, you might find lines like "Thy eternal summer shall not fade," from his sonnets.
How does understanding "thee" and "thy" help in understanding English literature?
Knowledge of terms like "thee" and "thy" is crucial for interpreting and appreciating English literature from the Renaissance and other historical periods.
What function does "thee" serve in English?
"Thee" is an archaic second person singular object pronoun, used similarly to "you" today.
In what context might one use "thee" or "thy"?
One might use "thee" or "thy" in religious contexts, historical reenactments, or when reading or quoting classical literature.
Can "thee" and "thy" be used interchangeably?
No, "thee" and "thy" cannot be used interchangeably as they serve different grammatical functions; "thee" is an object pronoun and "thy" a possessive adjective.
What are some common misconceptions about "thee" and "thy"?
A common misconception is that "thee" and "thy" can be used interchangeably or are merely stylistic variations of modern "you" and "your."
What impact does using "thee" and "thy" have on the tone of speech?
Using "thee" and "thy" often adds a formal, antiquated, or poetic tone to speech.
Is there a plural form of "thee" and "thy"?
The plural forms are "ye" for "thee" (as a subject) and "your" for "thy" (as a possessive).
How do "thee" and "thy" influence modern English?
While not commonly used, "thee" and "thy" influence poetic expressions and are seen in literary works that wish to evoke an archaic or solemn atmosphere.
Are there any cultural contexts where "thee" and "thy" are still actively used?
"Thee" and "thy" are still used in some religious practices and communities that prefer older forms of English, such as certain Amish or Quaker groups.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
