werþ

Werþ is a word found in Old English, a Germanic language spoken in England from roughly the 5th to the 12th century. Its meaning is closely related to the modern English word "worth." In Old English, "werþ" functioned primarily as an adjective and a noun, expressing value, price, or dignity. As an adjective, it could describe something as valuable, deserving, or important. For instance, one might speak of a "werþ mann" (a worthy man) or a "werþ stede" (a worthy place).

As a noun, "werþ" referred to the concept of value itself, the price or merit of something. It could also be used in phrases indicating estimation or appraisal. The word's etymology traces back to Proto-Germanic roots, connecting it to similar terms in other Germanic languages that also denote value or price. The concept it conveyed was fundamental to understanding transactions, social standing, and personal merit within Anglo-Saxon society. While the word itself has largely fallen out of use in its original form, its semantic legacy is clearly preserved in the modern English word "worth," which continues to signify value and importance. The transition from "werþ" to "worth" reflects the natural evolution of the English language over centuries, with sound changes and grammatical shifts shaping its vocabulary.