Monday, October 10, 2011

Wont

Pronunciation:
\ˈwont, ˈwōnt also ˈwənt, ˈwänt\

Definition:
1: accustomed, used
2: inclined, apt

Etymology:
Middle English woned, wont, from past participle of wonen to dwell, be used to, from Old English wunian; akin to Old High German wonēn to dwell, be used to, Sanskrit vanoti he strives for

This is an old word! Here is a great explanation from The Grammarist site:

Wont vs. want

The word wont can take several different meanings, but it is most often used as an adjective, usually followed by a to and meaning accustomed, given, or likely—for example:

“Stats are for losers,” as head coach John Fox is wont to say. [Panthers.com]

It made me introspective, as talks with Kris are wont to do. [Chiron Training]

Wont may also be a noun, its definition being habit or accustomed behavior—for example:

Kerry, as is his wont, offered a turbid synonym . . . [Emory Wheel]

And wonted has another adjectival use, meaning usual or habitual:

Sofiane Sylve lent the sugar plum fairy the wonted regality and line without completely dispensing a generosity of spirit. [San Francisco Chronicle]

Wont can be a verb, meaning to make accustomed to, but this usage is archaic.

I have seen this confused often with want and won't. Please don't do this.

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