Vocabulary List for Romeo and Juliet (Act I and II)

Adversary (n)

Definition: One that contends with, opposes, or resists : an enemy or opponent

Synonym: Enemy, opponent, foe, hostile, antagonist, attacker

Antonym: Friend, partner, fellow, buddy, ally, pal

Ex: A clever adversary

Apparel (n)

Definition: Personal attire : clothing of a particular kind

Synonym: Clothing, clothes, attire, garments, dress, wear

Ex: Dressed in fine apparel

Augment (v)

Definition: To make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense

Synonym: Increase, expand, accelerate, boost, enhance, extend

Antonym: Reduce, decrease, diminish, lessen, lower, abate

Ex: The impact of the report was augmented by its timing

Forfeit (n)

Definition: Something forfeited or subject to being forfeited (as for a crime, offense, or neglect of duty) : PENALTY

Synonym: Penalty, fine, damages, forfeiture, compensation, mulct

Ex: They were required to pay a forfeit

Nuptial (n)

Definition: Marriage, wedding → usually used in plural

Synonym: Wedding, marriage, bridal, espousal, matrimony, wedlock

Ex: Preparations were instantly commenced for the approaching nuptials

Pernicious (adj)

Definition: Highly damaging or destructive often in a way that is not easily seen or noticed

Synonym: Harmful, dangerous, detrimental, damaging, adverse, bad

Antonym: Benign, harmless, beneficial, innocuous, innocent, useful

Ex: The pernicious influence of corruption

Purge (v)

Definition: To clear of guilt. To free from moral or ceremonial defilement

Synonym: Restore, cleanse, purify, heal, sanctify, amend

Antonym: Corrupt, degrade, stain, poison, defile, debase

Ex: A day on which the faithful are expected to purge themselves of their sins through prayer and fasting

Profane (v)

Definition: To treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt: DESECRATE

Synonym: Corrupt, degrade, pervert, poison, humiliate, debauch

Antonym: Honor, elevate, uplift, exalt, better, perfect

Ex: The once-lovely landscape had been profaned by ugly factories

Valiant (adj)

Definition: Possessing or acting with bravery or boldness : COURAGEOUS

Synonym: Brave, courageous, gallant, heroic, fearless, bold

Antonym: Cowardly, craven, dastardly, yellow, coward, timid

Ex: Valiant soldiers marching off to war

Virtuous (adj)

Definition: Having or exhibiting virtue

Synonym: Honorable, ethical, honest, nice, true, good

Antonym: Evil, sinful, immoral, wicked, bad, wrong

Ex: Virtuous behavior is its own reward

Conjure (v)

Definition: To summon by or as if by invocation or incantation

Ex: We conjure up our own metaphors for our own needs

Discourses (v)

Definition: To express oneself especially orally and at length

Synonym: Lectures, speaks, talks, harangues, expatiates, declaims

Ex: The guest lecturer discoursed at some length on the long-term results of the war

Enmity (n)

Definition: Positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will

Synonym: Hostility, grudge, hatred, bitterness, animosity, antagonism

Antonym: Amity, friendliness, cordiality, hospitality, friendship, amiability

Ex: Enmity had existed between the two families for generations

Exposition (n)

Definition: A setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing)

Synonym: Explanation, interpretation, illustration, explication, construction, translation

Ex: The astronomer’s exposition of white dwarfs was a little helpful

Extremity (n)

Definition: The farthest or most remote part, section, or point

Synonym: Height, depth, limit, consummation, quintessence, epitome

Ex: At its extremity the fever was actually life-threatening

Intercession (n)

Definition: The act of interceding : mediate

Invocation (n)

Definition: The act or process of petitioning for help or support

Vexed (adj)

Definition: Feeing or showing irritation, annoyance, or distress

Synonym: Annoyed, irritated, bothered, exasperated, upset, angry

Antonym: Pleased, happy, satisfied, content, delighted, calm

Ex: My dog was clearly vexed with me for having been gone all week, and hardly greeted me when I came home

Vile (adj)

Definition: Disgustingly or utterly bad : obnoxious, contemptible

Synonym: Nasty, dirty, immoral, cruel, vicious, detestable

Antonym: Noble, virtuous, honorable, high, lofty, righteous

Ex: A vile trick to play on someone

Chide (v)

Definition: To voice disapproval to : reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner : scold

Synonym: Admonish, scold, reprimand, criticize, blame, rebuke

Antonym: Approve, endorse, sanction, ok, applaud, salute

Ex: My wife chided me for forgetting to offer our guests some refreshments