Oedipus and Othello Vocab

suppliant

Definition: A person who humbly asks for help or mercy; pleading earnestly

Sentence: The suppliant knelt before the king and begged for relief from the plague

Ex: A citizen asking the king for help

Nonex: A ruler confidently issuing commands

lamentations

Definition: Expressions of deep sorrow, grief, or mourning

Sentence: The chorus raised lamentations for the suffering city

Ex: Public cries of grief after a tragedy

Nonex: Celebratory songs after a victory

reverent

Definition: Showing deep respect, honor, or devotion

Sentence: The crowd grew reverent as the priest spoke

Ex: Listening respectfully during a sacred ceremony

Nonex: Laughing at a funeral or disrupting a wedding

impious

Definition: Showing a lack of respect for religion, the gods, or sacred duties

Sentence: Oedipus fears that an impious act may have angered the gods

Ex: Carrying on loud conversation during sacred rituals

Nonex: Carefully honoring religious traditions

din

Definition: A loud, unpleasant, and often continuous noise

Sentence: The din of voices filled the palace courtyard

Ex: The roar of a crowded marketplace

Nonex: The quiet of an empty library

tumult

Definition: A state of noisy confusion, disorder, or agitation

Sentence: The city was in tumult as people searched for answers

Ex: Chaotic crowds pushing and shoving

NonEx: A calm and orderly gathering

valiant

Definition: Brave, courageous, and determined in the face of danger

Sentence: The valiant Othello earned the respect of Venice through his military victories

Ex: A soldier risking personal safety to protect others

Nonex: Fleeing from danger out of fear

bounteous

Definition: Generous; giving freely; abundant

Sentence: Desdemona’s bounteous spirit led her to show kindness even to those who doubted her

Ex: Getting a huge harvest of tomatoes from the garden, overflowing baskets full

Nonex: Refusing to share despite having more than enough

procure

Definition: To obtain, acquire, or secure something

Sentence: Iago sought to procure evidence that would convince Othello of Desdemona’s betrayal

Ex: Nabbing tickets for a sold-out event

Nonex: Losing an auction on eBay

perdition

Definition: Complete ruin, destruction, or spiritual damnation

Sentence: Othello fears that his world has fallen into perdition once he begins to believe Iago’s lies

Ex: A leader’s downfall caused by disastrous decisions

Nonex: Recovery and success after hardship

impute

Definition: To attribute a fault, action, or quality to someone

Sentence: Iago encouraged Othello to impute dishonest motives to Desdemona without proof

Ex: Imputing blame to a teammate for a mistake

Nonex: Waiting for evidence before assigning responsibility

credulous

Definition: Too ready to believe something without sufficient evidence

Sentence: Othello becomes increasingly credulous as he accepts Iago’s accusations

Ex: Believing an online rumor without checking its source

Nonex: Carefully verifying facts before accepting a claim

obdurate

Definition: Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or feelings

Sentence: Othello grows obdurate and refuses to listen to evidence that might clear Desdemona’s name

Ex: Refusing reasonable advice from trusted friends

Nonex: Being willing to reconsider a position after hearing new evidence