unto
Unto (prep) means an old-fashioned or formal word for "to", especially showing direction or an indirect object. Example: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
How to use unto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned way of saying 'to' — still seen in religious, legal, or literary text and set phrases.
Archaic outside fixed expressions like 'do unto others'; in ordinary modern writing just use 'to'.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Do _____ others as you would have them do unto you.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English unto, from Old English *untō, *und tō, equivalent to un- (“against; toward; up to”) + to. Cognate with Old Frisian ont to ("until"; > Saterland Frisian antou (“until”)) (cf. Old Frisian und (“up to; till”), Old Frisian til (“till; to”)), Old Saxon untō, untuo (“until”), Old High German unze, unzi, unza (“until”), Old Norse und (“as far as; up to”), Gothic 𐌿𐌽𐍄𐌴 (untē, “until; as long as”).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “unto” mean?
The word “unto” means an old-fashioned or formal word for "to", especially showing direction or an indirect object. In plain terms, an old-fashioned way of saying 'to' — still seen in religious, legal, or literary text and set phrases.
How do you pronounce “unto”?
“Unto” is pronounced UHN-tuu (/ˈʌntə/ in IPA).
How do you use “unto” in a sentence?
Here is “unto” used in a sentence: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
What part of speech is “unto”?
“Unto” is a preposition.
Is “unto” a common word?
“Unto” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between unto and to?
Both are prepositions that can show direction or mark an indirect object, but "unto" is archaic and formal while "to" is the everyday standard. In modern English "to" is almost always the natural choice, and "unto" now sounds deliberately old-fashioned.
When should you use unto instead of to?
Reserve "unto" for writing that intentionally echoes older or elevated English, such as quotations from historic scripture, poetry, or formal ceremony. In ordinary speech and writing, "to" is the correct and natural preposition.
Is unto still used in modern English?
"Unto" is rarely used today and is considered archaic. It survives mainly in fixed expressions and older texts rather than in current everyday English.
What are common phrases that use unto?
"Unto" is best known from set phrases preserved from older English, such as "do unto others." These fixed expressions keep the word familiar even though it has otherwise dropped out of everyday use.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include unto: