forsothe

Forsothe, also spelled forsothe, is a historical English interjection meaning in truth, indeed, or certainly. It is a variant form of forsooth and is chiefly attested in Middle English and Early Modern English texts. In modern usage it survives mainly in stylized, humorous, or quotation-rich contexts to evoke archaic diction.

Etymology and form: The term derives from Old English forsoð (or forsoth), combining an intensifying prefix for- with soð, meaning truth. Spelling varied in manuscripts, with forsothe and forsooth among the common medieval forms. The word reflects a traditional English pattern in which for- added force to a noun or concept, here “truth.”

Usage and historical context: Forsothe functions as an interjection or sentence-initial marker signaling that what follows is asserted as truth. It is frequently found in medieval and early modern literature, including poetry and drama, where it often conveys formality, emphasis, or mock-heroic tone. By the 17th and 18th centuries, the form fell out of everyday speech and now appears mainly in quotations or pastiche that aim to evoke older English.

Contemporary note and examples: Today, forsothe is mostly encountered in linguistic or literary studies, or in works that imitate historical language. For example, a modern rendering might read: “Forsothe, the market is busy today,” used to imitate a character speaking in archaic diction. Its meaning remains close to “indeed” or “truly,” but its use is largely confined to stylistic or educational contexts.

See also: forsooth, archaic English, Middle English, Early Modern English, historical linguistics.