The spelling of the phrase "come naught" is deceptive, as it does not follow regular English spelling rules. The first word, "come," is spelled as expected (IPA: kʌm), but the second word, "naught," is spelled with an unnecessary "a." The actual spelling should be "nought" (IPA: nɔt), with the "gh" being silent. This archaic term for "zero" or "nothing" is still occasionally used today, particularly in British English, and its spelling should not be confused with the similar-sounding "not" (IPA: nɑt).
"Come naught" is an archaic English expression derived from the Middle English phrase "comen out of naught." It is commonly found in medieval literature and poetry, particularly in works such as ballads and folk tales.
The phrase "come naught" refers to a situation or outcome where one's efforts are proven futile or unsuccessful, resulting in nothing of value being achieved or gained. It implies a sense of disappointment, frustration, or defeat, often accompanied by a feeling of wastefulness or a lack of purpose.
The word "come" in this context signifies an attempt or endeavor, indicating an active pursuit or action undertaken to achieve something. "Naught" means nothing or no result, suggesting that the effort made is in vain or non-productive. Therefore, the phrase "come naught" conveys the idea of striving for a desired outcome but ultimately falling short or experiencing failure.
Additionally, "come naught" can imply a sense of unpredictability or uncontrollability of events, emphasizing the idea that external factors or circumstances beyond one's control have led to an undesirable or unfruitful outcome. It captures a sense of hopelessness or resignation, highlighting the notion that even with the best intentions or efforts, success or fulfillment may not be guaranteed.
The phrase "come naught" does not have a specific etymology on its own. However, it is important to note that "come naught" is a variation of the phrase "come to naught".
The phrase "come to naught" dates back to Middle English and has its roots in Old English. The word "naught" means nothing or zero. It comes from the Old English word "nāwiht", which is a compound of "na", meaning not, and "wiht", meaning thing.
The phrase "come to naught" means to cease to exist, be ruined, or fail. It is often used to express the idea that something has ended in a disappointing or unsatisfactory manner.