Archaism Examples

A word, phrase, or statement that is considered old fashioned or outdated is an archaism. Archaisms are words or sayings that we do not use anymore, but when we read literature from previous time periods, we encounter archaisms.

"To thine own self be true." Shakespeare's Hamlet

"O, Romeo, Romeo-wherefore art thou Rome? Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

"Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go." James Baldwin

'Twas the night before Christmas . . ." Clement Clarke Moore

"And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side

Of my darling--my darling--my life and my bride," Edgar Allan Poe, "Annabelle Lee"

How great thou art, how great thou art." Christian Hymn

"Joyful, joyful we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love." Christian Hymn

Hark! The herald angels sing ..." Christmas Carol

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy." Bible, Luke 2:10