sodeyn

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Borrowed from Anglo-Norman sodein, from Latin subitāneus.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /suˈdɛi̯n/, /sɔˈdɛi̯n/, /sɔːˈdɛi̯n/, /ˈsudɛn/

Adjective

sodeyn

  1. Sudden; happening or developing without buildup or non-gradually.
    • a. 1382, John Wycliffe, “Wisdom 17:14”, in Wycliffe's Bible:
      weren hurlid sum tyme bi drede of wondris ayens kynde, sum tyme the soulis failiden bi ledyng ouer; for why sudeyn drede and vnhopid, cam on hem.
      (They) were then afflicted by a fear of beasts, then their souls failed as they gave up, as sudden, unanticipated fear overcame them.
  2. Unanticipated; happening or developing without warning or notice.
  3. Hasty; happening or developing in a quick or fast way.
  4. Impulsive; happening or developing as a result of a poorly-thought decision.
  5. (rare) Ephemeral; short-lived or impermanent.

Derived terms

Descendants
  • English: sudden
  • Scots: sudden, suddent (modified to match the Middle Scots past participle -and, -ant)

References
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