The spelling of the word "hadst semblance" may seem confusing at first glance. However, the IPA phonetic transcription can help decipher it. The word is pronounced as /hædst ˈsɛmbləns/, with the "s" in "hadst" being silent. The "h" is pronounced as a voiceless glottal fricative, and the "a" is pronounced as a short vowel sound. "Semblance" is pronounced as /ˈsɛmbləns/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "e" pronounced as a short vowel sound. Together, "hadst semblance" means "you had a resemblance."
"Hadst semblance" is an archaic phrase that combines two separate components: "hadst" and "semblance."
The word "hadst" is the second-person singular form of the verb "to have" in past tense, specifically used in the context of Thou/thee/thy in old English language. This indicates possession or ownership. In this case, it represents the past tense form of the verb "to have" in the second-person singular form.
The term "semblance," on the other hand, refers to the outward appearance or seeming of something or someone. It suggests a superficial or apparent resemblance or similarity, rather than an absolute truth or reality. It can also refer to a false or deceptive appearance that conceals the true nature of something or someone.
Therefore, the phrase "hadst semblance" can be understood as an old English expression that signifies the possession of an outward appearance or appearance of similarity. It implies that someone or something possessed an appearance or manner that appeared to be similar or akin to something else, but may not necessarily reflect its true essence or nature. The phrase may indicate a sense of superficiality or deception, suggesting that the appearance or seeming is not an accurate representation of the reality or truth.
The word "hadst semblance" is a phrase composed of two words: "hadst" and "semblance".
The word "hadst" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "have" in archaic English. It is derived from the Middle English word "had(d)e", which originated from the Old English word "hæfde". Old English "hæfde" is cognate with various Germanic languages such as Old Frisian "hāved", Old Saxon "heboda", and Old Norse "hafði".
The word "semblance", on the other hand, originated from the Old French word "semblance", meaning "outward appearance" or "semblance". It entered English in the 13th century and was influenced by the Latin word "similis", meaning "like" or "similar".