forsooth

American  

[fawr-sooth] / fɔrˈsuθ /

adverb

Archaic.

1. (now used in derision or to express disbelief ) in truth; in fact; indeed.

---

forsooth British  

/ fəˈsuːθ /

adverb

1. archaic in truth; indeed

---

Etymology

Origin of forsooth

before 900; Middle English forsothe, Old English forsōth. See for, sooth

Explanation

If you want to say "indeed" in a particularly witty, old-fashioned way, use the adverb forsooth. Sprinkle this word into your speech, and forsooth, your friends may think you sound Shakespearean: “Yes, forsooth mother, I shall walk the dog around the block.” Forsooth is an archaic adverb, mainly used in humorous contexts or on National Talk Like Shakespeare Day. Some etymologists believe it's a shortened form of “for in truth.”

Example Sentences

My friend recognized that a live football broadcast is, forsooth, a work of art—possibly the most widely beloved American art form that is never celebrated as such.

From Slate • Oct. 16, 2015

Distrait, Mark appealed to his friend, but Robert's letters brought no solace�only the melancholy news that his own wife had left him, because forsooth he had been rude to an old hag of a spiritualist.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is no more to say, Because you'll never agree That anything’s truth, But what issues, forsooth, From Holmes or the brain of McGee.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

"Surely," said he, "the people are not unreasonable, like this man, who is ungrateful to the gods for taking his daughter, as if, forsooth, his child were better than the children of his neighbors."

From The War Tiger Or, Adventures and Wonderful Fortunes of the Young Sea Chief and His Lad Chow: A Tale of the Conquest of China by Dalton, William

That stupid old Dives! forsooth, he must barter His time-honoured name for a wonderful garter; And Joan's pretty face has been clouded with care Since Jack bought her ribbons at Vanity Fair.

From A Selection from the Works of Frederick Locker by Locker-Lampson, Hannah Jane