English Vocab Notes 2-10-25

1. Harbinger

Synonym: Forerunner

Antonym: Follower

Definition: A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.

Sentence: The dark clouds served as a harbinger of the impending storm.

Macbeth Usage (Act 1, Scene 4):

"I'll be myself the harbinger and make joyful / The hearing of my wife with your approach."

(Macbeth says he will go ahead and inform Lady Macbeth of King Duncan’s arrival.)

2. Plight

Synonym: Predicament

Antonym: Blessing

Definition: A dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation.

Sentence: The refugees found themselves in a desperate plight after the war.

Macbeth Usage (Act 1, Scene 2):

"What bloody man is that? He can report, / As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt / The newest state."

(Duncan refers to a wounded soldier who can describe the battle’s situation.)

3. Thane

Synonym: Lord

Antonym: Peasant

Definition: A nobleman in Scotland, holding land granted by the king.

Sentence: The thane was rewarded with a new title for his bravery in battle.

Macbeth Usage (Act 1, Scene 3):

"All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! / All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!"

(The witches greet Macbeth, foreshadowing his rise in rank.)

4. Hurly-Burly

Synonym: Commotion

Antonym: Calm

Definition: A noisy disorder or tumult.

Sentence: The marketplace was filled with the hurly-burly of traders and customers.

Macbeth Usage (Act 1, Scene 1):

"When the hurly-burly's done, / When the battle's lost and won."

(The witches plan to meet after the chaos of battle subsides.)

5. Fantastical

Synonym: Imaginary

Antonym: Realistic

Definition: Existing only in fantasy; unreal or supernatural.

Sentence: The magician's tricks seemed almost fantastical to the amazed audience.

Macbeth Usage (Act 1, Scene 3):

"Or have we eaten on the insane root / That takes the reason prisoner?"

(Banquo questions if the witches’ appearance is fantastical or an illusion.)