thine

All that is mine is thine.

Definition

1. Pronoun (possessive):
   • Belonging to thee: "thine" is the second-person singular possessive pronoun, used to indicate that something belongs to "thee" (you, in archaic or formal English). It is equivalent to "yours" in modern English.
   • Before a vowel sound: "thine" can also function as a possessive determiner (like "your") when used before a word beginning with a vowel sound, e.g., "thine eyes."

Usage Examples

• As a possessive pronoun:

  • This book is thine. (This book belongs to you.)
  • The victory is thine. (The victory is yours.)

• As a possessive determiner (before vowels):

  • Thine eyes are bright. (Your eyes are bright.)
  • Thine honour is safe. (Your honour is safe.)

Advanced Usage

• "Thine" vs. "thy": "thy" is used before consonant sounds (e.g., "thy house"), while "thine" is used before vowel sounds (e.g., "thine apple") or as a standalone pronoun.

  • Thy servant is faithful, but thine enemy is cruel. (Your servant is faithful, but your enemy is cruel.)

• In poetic or religious contexts: "thine" is often used in formal prayers, hymns, or literature to convey reverence or antiquity.

  • For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory (from the Lord's Prayer).

Variants and Related Words

• Thy (determiner): the possessive form of "thou," used before consonant sounds.

  • Thy will be done. (Your will be done.)

• Thee (pronoun, objective): the object form of "thou."

  • I give this to thee. (I give this to you.)

• Thou (pronoun, subjective): the subject form of "you" (singular).

  • Thou art my friend. (You are my friend.)

Synonyms

• Yours: the modern equivalent of "thine" as a possessive pronoun.

  • This is yours. (This is thine.)

• Your: the modern equivalent of "thy" or "thine" as a determiner.

  • Your book = Thy book or Thine book (before vowels).

Related Idioms

• "What is thine is mine": an expression meaning that possessions are shared, often used in marriage or partnership.

  • In their union, what is thine is mine. (Everything belongs to both.)

• "To thine own self be true": a famous line from Shakespeare's Hamlet, meaning to remain honest with one's own character.

  • Remember the advice: to thine own self be true. (Stay true to yourself.)