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doughty

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Brave, valiant, and strong in battle—used to praise heroic figures, especially in epic or martial poetry.

Detailed Definition
“Doughty” celebrates martial prowess with archaic vigor, common in epic and ballad. It implies tested courage, not just boldness. The term’s alliterative potential (doughty deeds) suits heroic catalogs. Poets use it to honor warriors or mock false valor, depending on context. Its persistence in Romantic revival reflects nostalgia for chivalric ideals, where physical strength embodies moral fortitude.
Example
Example in poetry:
"A doughty knight, both bold and true," begins a border ballad; In Spenser: "A doughty knight, that durst all derring-do"; "Though few in number, they were doughty men," a chronicle line; Shakespeare’s Henry V praises "doughty deeds"; "Her spirit was doughty, though her frame was frail"; The doughty oak withstands the tempest.
Additional Notes
“Doughty” praises martial valor and steadfastness; in epic or ballad poetry, “doughty knights” embody idealized heroism, and the term often alliterates with “deed” or “dare” to reinforce heroic action.
Also Known As
valiant brave mighty
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