unto

UK: ˈʌntuː | US: ˈʌntuː

Definition

  1. prep. an archaic or poetic term meaning "to" (used in expressions like "until death do us part")

Structure
un <up to, near>to <toward>
Etymology

"Unto" originated in Middle English as a contraction of "until" (from Old English "und" meaning "up to" or "as far as") + "to." It was commonly used in early modern English (e.g., in the King James Bible) but is now largely archaic or poetic. The word reflects a directional or relational sense, combining spatial ("un") and directional ("to") elements.

Examples

  1. "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's."

  2. "She gave the letter unto him with trembling hands."

  3. "Unto thee, I pledge my loyalty."

  4. "The land was passed unto the eldest son."

  5. "Unto the ends of the earth, they journeyed."