What does troth mean?
Troth is an old, formal word for a solemn promise of fidelity, particularly the mutual commitment made by partners in marriage. The expression “plighting one's troth” means pledging one's word or commitment, and the noun can suggest both faithfulness and the seriousness of the promise itself. Troth also has an older sense meaning truth or truthfulness, encountered mainly in literary and historical texts. As a verb, it means to pledge oneself to someone, especially in marriage, though this use is now uncommon. Although rarely needed in ordinary conversation, troth lends a ceremonial or archaic dignity to wedding vows, poetry, and dramatic dialogue. Its close association with marriage vow and pledged faith preserves the sense of a promise made publicly and honored with personal honor, making the word especially evocative in discussions of love, commitment, and betrayal.
A solemn pledge of fidelity, especially the mutual promise made in marriage; in older usage, truth or faithfulness.
"The marriage ceremony was the occasion for pledging troth."
The noun is now chiefly archaic, literary, or ceremonial. In older texts it can also mean truth or faithfulness.
To pledge or promise fidelity, especially to someone in marriage.
"She trothed herself to him before witnesses."
This verb form is rare and generally confined to archaic, poetic, or ceremonial contexts.
The plural is rare; troth is normally used as an abstract singular noun.
"Old songs celebrate troths that survive war and exile."
A troth is more than a promise: it is the old, ceremonious promise behind the vows of marriage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does troth come from?
The word comes from Old English troþ, meaning “pledge,” “faith,” or “fidelity,” and belongs to a Germanic family of words associated with trust and faithfulness. It is closely related to true and truth, as well as to Old Norse traust, meaning “trust.” Over time, troth became especially associated with pledged marital fidelity, while the verb form survives chiefly in archaic usage.
Related word forms
How troth is actually used
Troth is chiefly archaic, formal, or literary in modern English. It survives most naturally in marriage and religious contexts, while the verb is rare. The older sense meaning truth or faithfulness appears mainly in historical or poetic language.
Easily confused with troth
Truth means factual accuracy or veracity, whereas troth most often means a pledged promise of fidelity, especially in marriage.