WordGarden.iorede
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪdˈɛ/
US
Meanings
Noun
advice or counsel about what to do
Verb
to explain or interpret the meaning of something
Beyond the definition
"Rede" (pronounced reed) is an old English word for advice, counsel, or a plan. It is the kind of guidance someone gives when another person faces a hard choice or a difficult situation. You often see it in old texts such as Beowulf, where leaders and warriors ask for it before making important decisions. It is rare in modern everyday speech, but it still appears in discussions of old literature and language.
"Rede" is an archaic word from Old English that means advice, counsel, guidance, or a proposed course of action. It is more than a casual suggestion. It usually suggests serious, thoughtful advice given to help someone handle a problem or make an important choice.
Historically, "rede" was common in heroic literature such as Beowulf. Kings and warriors would seek rede from their advisers before battle, and giving good rede was seen as a sign of wisdom, loyalty, and leadership. It was not simply a matter of telling someone what to do. It meant thinking carefully about the situation and offering a sound way forward.
Think of it this way: if you were facing a difficult decision, you might ask a trusted friend or mentor for advice. In an Old English setting, that advice could be called "rede." In old stories, good rede often helps a person choose the right path at a critical moment.
While it is rarely used in modern everyday speech, "rede" still appears in literary study, historical writing, and discussions of Old English. Seeing it in texts like Beowulf gives a clearer sense of the values of Anglo-Saxon society, where wise counsel was highly valued. The word reminds us that careful advice and thoughtful planning mattered just as much in the past as they do now.
Examples
- 1
Literary advice
In the old tale, the prince ignored his sister's rede and crossed the river alone.
- Usage
rede is a very old or literary word, not normal modern English
- 2
Advice formula
"Take my rede and wait until dawn," the guide said.
- Phrasetake my rede
accept my advice
- 3
Dream interpretation
Only the seer could rede the strange dream.
- Usagerede + object
explain or interpret it, in old or literary English
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- misguidance
- folly
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- wise rede
- take rede
- give rede
Word family
- redeless
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- redeverb