The spelling of the word "doest best" may seem confusing, but it follows the rules of Early Modern English. The pronounced "s" sound in "doest" is represented by the letter "s" in the spelling, while the letters "e" and "o" together represent a long "oe" sound. The word "best" is spelled similarly to modern English. In IPA phonetic transcription, "doest" would be pronounced as /dʌst/ and "best" as /bɛst/. Together, the phrase means "you do your best."
"Doest best" is an archaic phrase that originates from Middle English, mainly found in King James Version of the Bible. The phrase is constructed from two key elements: "doest," derived from the Old English word "doeth," which means "to do" or "to perform," and "best," which refers to the highest level of competence or achievement in a certain context.
The phrase "doest best" conveys the idea of putting forth maximum effort or striving to achieve excellence. It implies going above and beyond the normal expectations and giving one's utmost in a particular task or endeavor. It suggests a commitment to doing something to the highest degree of one's ability, often in the pursuit of acquiring desirable results or outcomes.
The use of "doest best" indicates a sense of personal responsibility, dedication, and determination. It encapsulates the notion of diligently applying oneself and leaving no stone unturned in order to achieve success or fulfill a particular duty. It emphasizes the importance of using all available skills, resources, and knowledge to accomplish a given objective, often in the face of challenges or obstacles.
While the phrase "doest best" has fallen out of common usage, it still serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for excellence and giving one's all in the pursuit of personal or collective goals. It encapsulates the idea that true accomplishment often requires consistent effort, perseverance, and the willingness to surpass ordinary expectations.
The phrase "doest best" is a combination of two separate words: "doest" and "best".
"Doest" is the archaic second-person singular form of the verb "do" in Early Modern English. It was commonly used from the 13th to the 17th century, and was used as the present tense of "do" for the subject pronoun "thou". In modern English, it has been replaced by "you do" in the present tense.
"Best" is an adjective that refers to the superlative form of the adjective "good". It means "of the highest quality or excellence".
Therefore, when combined, "doest best" means "you do the best" or "you are doing the best" in early English.