The phrase "comes naught" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /kʌmz nɔːt/. The word "comes" is spelled as it sounds, with the "o" pronounced as /ʌ/ and the "s" pronounced as /z/, indicating a singular third person present tense verb. "Naught," however, is spelled with an unusual combination of letters that does not adhere to typical English spelling rules. The "au" is pronounced as /ɔː/ and the "gh" is silent, creating an unexpected spelling and pronunciation.
"Comes naught" is a phrase with roots in Middle English and is primarily used in archaic or poetic language. This expression is composed of two words with distinct meanings. The verb "comes" is the third person singular present tense of the verb "come," which refers to the action of moving towards or reaching a particular place. Meanwhile, "naught" is an archaic spelling of "nothing," which represents the absence or lack of something. When combined, the phrase "comes naught" carries the idea that a person or thing fails to achieve a desired outcome or is unsuccessful in its endeavors.
The phrase conveys a sense of disappointment, futility, or negative consequence. It implies that despite the effort, energy, or intention exerted, the end result is fruitless or inconsequential. "Comes naught" suggests that the desired or anticipated outcome has not been attained and instead the effort has come to nothing.
For instance, if one were to say, "Despite his numerous attempts to reconcile with his estranged friend, his efforts came naught," it indicates that his endeavors to restore the friendship were unsuccessful or produced no tangible results.
In modern usage, "comes naught" is increasingly uncommon and more likely to be encountered in poetic or literary works, historical texts, or older styles of writing.
The phrase "comes naught" is a contraction of the Middle English phrase "cometh to naught". "Cometh" is the third-person singular present form of the verb "come", and "to naught" means to nothing or to zero. The word "naught" in this context refers to a state of nonexistence or worthlessness. Thus, "comes naught" essentially means "comes to nothing" or "ends up being worthless". The term has been used to convey the idea that all efforts or plans ultimately amount to nothing.