tharen

Middle English

Etymology 1

From Old English þurfan, from Proto-Germanic *þurbaną. The vocalism in -a- is due to leveling from the present singular forms, while the loss of -f/-v- is probably due to simplification of the consonant cluster in forms like thurfte → thurte, which then analogically spread to forms lacking a cluster.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈθaːrən/, /ˈθarən/

Verb

tharen

  1. (auxiliary) To need to, to be required to
  2. To need, to require, to necessitate.
  3. (auxiliary) To have to, to be obligated to, to ought to
  4. (auxiliary) To be capable of, to be willing to
Usage notes

This verb is frequently conflated with durren due to its similarity with that verb.

Conjugation
Conjugation of tharen (preterite-present, defective)
infinitive —
present tense past tense
1st-person singular thar, tharf thurte, thurfte
2nd-person singular tharst thurtest, thurftest
3rd-person singular thar, tharf thurte, thurfte
subjunctive singular thare, thurve
imperative singular — —
plural1 tharen, thare, thurven, thurve thurten, thurte, thurften, thurfte
imperative plural — —
participles — —

1 Sometimes used as a formal 2nd-person singular.

Descendants
  • English: thair
  • Middle Scots: thar
References

Etymology 2

Pronoun

tharen

  1. alternative form of þeiren
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