Vocabulary and Themes from Julius Caesar

taper

stick of wax with a wick in the middle

extremity

a condition or state beyond the norm

whet

sharpen by rubbing

interim

the time between one event, process, or period and another

insurrection

organized opposition to authority

faction

a clique that seeks power usually through intrigue

visage

the human face

affability

a disposition to be friendly and approachable

semblance

the outward or apparent appearance or form of something

hither

to this place

interpose

get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action

spur

something that encourages you to attempt something

palter

be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead

carrion

the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food

commend

express a good opinion of

whit

a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

gravity

a manner that is serious and solemn

shrewd

good at tricking people to get something

contrive

make or work out a plan for; devise

hew

strike with an axe; cut down, strike

augur

predict from an omen

bent

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a certain way

dank

unpleasantly cool and humid

resort

act of turning to for assistance

appertain

be a part or attribute of

ruddy

of the color between orange and purple in the color spectrum

hark

listen; used mostly in the imperative

vouchsafe

grant in a condescending manner

exploit

a notable achievement

conjure

summon into action or bring into existence

whelp

birth

entrails

internal organs collectively

imminent

close in time; about to occur

expound

add details to clarify an idea

ague

a fit of shivering or shaking

revel

celebrate noisily or engage in uproarious festivities

notwithstanding

despite anything to the contrary

lament

regret strongly

emulation

effort to equal or surpass another

fray

a noisy fight