What does goest mean?
The verb goest is an archaic second person singular present tense form of the verb go. It was commonly used in Early Modern English but has since fallen out of everyday use, being mostly relegated to literary or poetic contexts to evoke a sense of antiquity or formality. Goest is often seen in historical or biblical translations and in works of fiction set in periods when this verb form was in common use. The use of goest can add a layer of authenticity to period pieces or create a specific stylistic effect in writing.
verbThou goest is an archaic second person singular present tense of the verb go, used in Early Modern English.
- archaic second person singular present tense of go
"Thou goest to the market, I perceive."
"Thou goest to the market, I perceive."
"Verily, thou goest forth into the world."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of goest
Goest derives from the Old English verb gān, which meant 'to go'. The second person singular present tense form goest emerged in Middle English and was standard in Early Modern English. As English evolved, this form became archaic and was largely replaced by the modern second person singular form 'go'.
Usage notes
This verb form is largely obsolete and used primarily for stylistic or poetic effect, or to evoke a sense of antiquity.