Macbeth Vocab

disdain

to treat as beneath one’s notice dignity

valiant

possessing or acting with bravery or boldness; heroic

dismay

to cause to lose courage or resolution; to upset

pronounce

to declare officially or ceremoniously

trifle

something of little value, substance, or importance

solicit

to make petition to, to entreat; to entice or lure

especially into evil

surmise

a thought or idea based on scanty evidence; conjecture

to suppose that something is true without the evidence

to prove it

implore

to make an earnest request to (someone); to beg

harbinger

something that foreshadows a future event

impede

to interfere with or slow the progress of

beguile

to lead by deception; to engage the interest of by or as

if by guile

mettle

vigor and strength of spirit or temperament; stamina

palpable

(of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem

almost tangible

provoke

to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.); to stir up

purposely; to provide the needed stimulus for

equivocate

to use language (usually with two or more

interpretations) especially with intent to deceive;

to avoid committing oneself in what one says

clamor

noisy shouting; a loud continuous noise

sovereignty

supreme power especially over a body

politic; freedom from external control: autonomy

oracle

a person (such as a priestess of ancient Greece)

through whom a deity is believed to speak

dauntless

incapable of being intimidated or subdued; fearless

rancor

an angry feeling of hatred or dislike for someone who

has treated you unfairly

malice

desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another

eminence

a position of prominence or superiority; a person of

high rank or attainments

jocund

marked by or suggestive of high spirits and joy

mirth

gladness or gaiety as accompanied with laughter

exasperate

to cause irritation or annoyance to; to excite the anger

of: to enrage

resolute

marked by firm determination; bold, steady

pernicious

highly injurious or destructive; deadly

diminutive

exceptionally or notably small

desolate

Devoid of inhabitants and visitors: deserted; barren

imperial

of, relating to, befitting, or suggestive of an empire or

an emperor

avaricious

greedy of gain: excessively acquisitive especially in

seeking to hoard riches

perseverance

continued effort to do or achieve something despite

difficulties, failure, or opposition; steadfast

fortitude

strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage

scruple

an ethical consideration or principle inhibiting action

sanctity

the quality or state of being holy or sacred; holiness of

life and character

brandish

to shake or wave (something, such as a weapon)

menacingly

prowess

distinguished bravery especially military valor and

skill; extraordinary ability