wisian

Old English

Alternative forms

• ƿīsian — wynn spelling

Etymology

From Proto-Germanic *wīsijaną. Cognate with Old Saxon wīsian, Old Dutch wīsen (Dutch wijzen), Old High German wīsen (German weisen), Old Norse vísa (Swedish visa).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈwiː.si.ɑn/, [ˈwiː.zi.ɑn]

Verb

wīsian

1. to show the way, guide, point out
   • Gewitaþ forð beran wæpen ond gewædu; ic eow wisige.

     Go forth carrying your weapons and equipment; I will guide you

     (Beowulf ll. 291-2)

Conjugation

Conjugation of wīsian (weak class 2)

infinitive	wīsian	wīsienne
indicative mood	present tense	past tense
first person singular	wīsiġe	wīsode
second person singular	wīsast	wīsodest
third person singular	wīsaþ	wīsode
plural	wīsiaþ	wīsodon
subjunctive	present tense	past tense
singular	wīsiġe	wīsode
plural	wīsiġen	wīsoden
imperative
singular	wīsa
plural	wīsiaþ
participle	present	past
	wīsiende	(ġe)wīsod

Descendants

• English: wise