What Is a Hie? – Definition and Meaning

“Hie” is definitely not a term you come across every day, but it has a cool history and unique meaning. I’ll uncover the etymology of the word “hie” and give you a list of synonyms and examples in sentences so you can see how to use it correctly. In the end, you’ll be well-versed in the usage of hie.

Hie Definition Explained

In English, we have verbs, and we have uncommon verbs. “Hie” is an example of an uncommon verb, and it simply means to go quickly or do something with haste, aka speed. It’s not super common in the everyday modern conversations you’re probably used to having because it’s more along the lines of old English. However, you’ll still come across it in some literary texts, and it’s important to know what it means.

What’s the Hie Shakespeare Definition

This is a great example proving just how “old-fashioned” the word is. In Shakespeare’s works, “hie” is used to convey a sense of urgency. This is usually in the context of characters hurrying to accomplish a task or get to a certain destination.

In Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence tells Romeo to “hie” to Juliet’s chamber, and “hie” is used to show the importance of Romeo’s haste in reaching Juliet.

What Does Hies Off Mean?

When someone says “hie off,” they specifically mean to leave quickly. So, you might hear someone say, “Let’s hie off before it gets too crowded, and we can get out of the parking lot.”

Etymology of Hie

The word “hie” comes from an Old English term “higian” or “hīgian,” which means to strive or hasten. Over many years and translations, the term evolved into Middle English, eventually becoming the modern version we know as “hie.”

Synonyms for Hie

Like any other word, there are always different ways you can say them. You can use any of these in place of the word “hie.”

• Hasten
• Hurry
• Rush
• Speed
• Scurry
• Race
• Bolt

Hie Examples in a Sentence

With oddball words such as “hie,” it’s good to see them in use. So, here are a few sentences showcasing how you can incorporate it into speech and writing.

• The court messenger hied to his king with the urgent news about a rival land and the possibility of war.
• Vanessa hied down the hallway, eager to escape the awkward situation between her best friend and the boyfriend she was leaving.
• With the horrible winter storm approaching, we hied towards the shelter the town had in place.
• The seasoned thief hied away with the stolen goods without making a sound.
• All the soldiers hied to their posts when the alarm sounded through the air.

Final Say on Hie

Now that you’ve established a good grasp on the actual meaning and proper usage of “hie,” you can appreciate its unique charm and historical context, right? Sure, it’s not a word you see or hear every day, but it can liven up your writing or help make a Shakespearean play easier to understand!