Thy vs. Your

Attribute	Thy	Your
Possessive Pronoun	Thy is an archaic form of "your" used to show possession or ownership.	Your is the modern form of "your" used to show possession or ownership.
Usage	Thy is used before a word beginning with a consonant sound.	Your is used before a word beginning with a vowel sound.
Formality	Thy is considered more formal or poetic.	Your is considered more casual or standard.

Definition

Thy and your are both pronouns used to refer to the second person singular. Thy is an archaic form of the possessive pronoun "your," which was commonly used in Middle English. Your, on the other hand, is the modern form of the possessive pronoun "your" and is widely used in contemporary English.

Usage

Thy is used in formal or poetic contexts to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It is often found in religious texts, literature, and historical documents. Your, on the other hand, is the standard form of the possessive pronoun "your" and is used in everyday speech and writing.

Formality

Thy is considered more formal and old-fashioned compared to your. It is rarely used in modern English except in specific contexts where a formal or archaic tone is desired. Your, on the other hand, is the default choice for most situations and is considered appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

Connotation

Thy carries a sense of intimacy and familiarity, often used to address someone with whom the speaker has a close relationship. It can also convey a sense of respect or deference when used in a formal context. Your, on the other hand, is neutral in connotation and is used to address someone in a general or non-specific manner.

Historical Context

Thy has its roots in Old English and was commonly used in Middle English before being replaced by your in the early modern period. Your, on the other hand, emerged as the standard form of the possessive pronoun "your" in the 17th century and has remained in use ever since.

Examples

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. (from the Lord's Prayer) Your car is parked in the driveway. Thy love is like a red, red rose. Your dog is barking loudly.

Regional Variations

Thy is more commonly used in British English and other varieties of English that retain archaic forms. Your, on the other hand, is the standard form in American English and is used in most other varieties of English around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, thy and your are both pronouns used to refer to the second person singular, but they differ in terms of formality, usage, connotation, and historical context. Thy is a more formal and old-fashioned form of the possessive pronoun "your," while your is the standard and widely accepted form in modern English. Both pronouns have their own unique characteristics and are used in different contexts depending on the desired tone and style of communication.