forsooth
fur-SOOTH
/fərˈsuːθ/
Indeed (often used ironically to express doubt or contempt).
In modern usage, it is almost always used to mock someone's pretension or an unlikely claim.
The story behind the word. A combination of 'for' and 'sooth' (truth). In Old English, 'sooth' meant truth (hence 'soothsayer'—a truth-teller).
Word relationships
- indeed: 'Indeed' is neutral; 'forsooth' is archaic or sarcastic.
Word family
- soothsayer (noun): One who tells the truth (a fortune teller).
Collocations
- yes, forsooth
Example sentences
- "He claims to be a descendant of royalty, forsooth!" Mocking someone's self-importance.
Memory hook
Forsooth = For Truth. Forsooth = Truly? (Sarcastic).
When not to use
Never use this seriously in a modern context; it will sound like you are wearing a costume.
Fun facts
- By the time of Jane Austen, 'forsooth' was already considered a bit old-fashioned and was used to characterize stuffy people.
Explore more words
sarcasm, derisive, mocking, forthright, sardonic, incredulous
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