ye
word
Definition
An old, dialectal, or poetic word meaning “you” when talking to more than one person. It may also appear in stylized language meant to sound historical, rustic, or dramatic.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly not used in standard modern English. Common in the Bible, older literature, some regional dialects (especially Irish English), and playful mock-archaic speech. Do not confuse it with the old printed form in “Ye Olde...”, where “Ye” was often actually a spelling of “the,” not the pronoun “you”.
Example Sentences
I heard the old priest say, “Ye shall be welcome here.”
basic
In this poem, ye means “you all.”
basic
If someone says ye today, they usually want to sound old-fashioned or theatrical.
natural
The sign said, “Hear ye!”
basic
The tour guide was joking around like, “Welcome, ye brave travelers!”
natural
My granddad still says ye sometimes because of his Irish background.
natural