Misti
Definition & Context
Adverb
A word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc.
“Misti” (Van Ophuijsen) means must, ought to, obligated, or necessary to do something, indicating a necessity or an obligation. This word signifies that an action is unavoidable or an absolute requirement.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word “misti” is an informal variant of “mesti”. The word “mesti” itself originates from the Portuguese “mister” or “meste”, meaning 'need' or 'must'. The use of “misti” was commonly found in Low Malay or Bazaar Malay literature during the “tempo doeloe” (colonial era), reflecting phonological and morphological adaptations in the daily conversations of indigenous and peranakan communities at that time.
Real-world Usage
Bagaemana kita misti mengarang soerat² itoe? (Bagaimana kita mesti mengarang surat-surat itu?)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
Verified Evidence1
Boekoe Soerat-Soerat (TH. A. Du Mosch) Boekoe Soerat-Soerat (TH. A. Du Mosch)
ImageliteratureVerify Context
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