shall

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   Used before a verb to indicate the simple future tense in the first person singular or plural.

   I shall sing in the choir tomorrow.

2. 2
   verb

   Used similarly to indicate determination or obligation in the second and third persons singular or plural.

   (determination): You shall go to the ball!; He shall be given a fair trial.

3. 3
   verb

   Used in questions with the first person singular or plural to suggest a possible future action.

   What shall I do? Shall I give you a hand?

4. 4
   verb

   To owe.

   I thee shall a hundred golden coins; th'amount thou shalt the Queen is much higher.

Etymology

From Middle English schal (infinitive schulen), from Old English sċeal (infinitive sċulan (“should, must”)), from Proto-West Germanic *skulan, from Proto-Germanic *skal (infinitive *skulaną), from Proto-Indo-European *skel- (“to owe, be under obligation”). Cognate with Scots sall, sal (“shall”), North Frisian skal, schal, Saterland Frisian skäl, schäl, schal (infinitive skälle, schälle), West Frisian sil (infinitive sille (“shall”)), Dutch zal (infinitive zullen (“shall”)), Low German schall (infinitive schölen (“shall”)), German soll (infinitive sollen (“ought to”)), Danish skal (infinitive s…