The verb "smote" is pronounced /smoʊt/ with two syllables. It is a past tense form of "smite", meaning to strike or hit forcefully. The spelling of "smote" follows the typical pattern of English past tense verbs that end in "e", such as "baked" or "liked". The "o" sound is pronounced as a long "o" /oʊ/, followed by the final "t" sound, which is a voiceless alveolar plosive /t/. Despite its archaic use, "smote" remains a popular word in literature and religious texts.
Smote is a verb derived from the Old English word "smitan," meaning to strike or hit forcefully. It primarily refers to the past tense of "smite" and is commonly associated with ancient or biblical language.
In its most literal sense, smote describes the act of delivering a vigorous blow or striking with great force, often resulting in physical injury or harm. It implies a powerful and decisive action, suggesting a deliberate intention to cause damage or destruction. The word conveys a sense of strength, impact, and aggression.
Beyond its literal interpretation, smote can also be used metaphorically to describe the effect of a strong emotion, belief, or idea on a person. It implies being deeply affected or overwhelmed by something, as if struck with great intensity on an emotional or intellectual level. This figurative usage suggests that the concept or experience has a profound impact, leaving a lasting impression or influencing one's thoughts, beliefs, or behavior.
In religious and mythological contexts, smote often appears in tales of gods or supernatural beings punishing or defeating their adversaries through powerful or divine intervention. It highlights the extraordinary power and authority of the higher entity and serves to emphasize the suddenness and inevitability of the punishment or retribution.
• Did smite.
• Of smite, which see.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "smote" is the past tense of the verb "smite". The etymology of "smite" comes from the Old English word "smitan", which means "to smite, strike, beat". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "smitanan", meaning "to smite, hit". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "smeit", meaning "to fling, throw". The word "smite" has been used in English for centuries to describe striking something with a forceful blow or to metaphorically refer to punishment or defeat.